Becan, it's name meaning 'ditch of water,' is one of the most fascinating sites in the Yucatan. Discovered in 1934 by Karl Ruppert, the area was originally settled as early as 2000-1000 BC. It is believed that there was a village on the site around 300 BC and you can see evidences of buildings built in the Late Preclassic, after 50 BC.

What makes Becan so interesting is that is an excellent example of Mayan fortification. Between AD 100 and 250, a defensive ditch or moat was dug surrounding the ceremonial city and reservoirs. The dirt from the ditch was piled up to create a fortified wall around the city. Originally much deeper, the moat is now about 4 meters deep and 15 meters across. It was dug in the early decades of the city, and it appears to have been partially filled about 700 AD.

At one time Becan was the dominant center of the Rio Bec area. The oldest permanent structures have been dated to about 550 BC. The red arrow in the map above is near the entrance to Becan. When you enter you see a tunnel that goes under part of the building around the courtyard. The tunnel is a good example of Mayan arches.