El Rey Ruins (Zona Arqueologica El Rey), Cancun

El Rey Ruins (Zona Arqueologica El Rey) is a notable pre-Columbian archaeological site of the Mayan culture, situated in the southeast of Mexico. It's located in the renowned tourist resort of Cancun, Quintana Roo, specifically on the Caribbean coast within the hotel zone of Cancun Island. This island, on the outskirts of Cancun's city center, is connected to the mainland by two bridges.

The original Mayan name of El Rey is unknown. Its current name, which means "the king," was inspired by a discovery in 1909 by English travelers Channing Arnold and Frederick Frost. They found an anthropomorphic sculpture at the site, interpreted as a monarch or noble, leading to its naming. A preserved head of this sculpture is now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Cancun.

El Rey's historical significance dates back to the early classical period (250-600 AD), with its first settlers constructing houses on platforms. These early structures were made of organic materials, which have not survived over the centuries. Between 200 and 1200 AD, the site's inhabitants engaged in fishing and salt extraction.

The site experienced a surge in importance between 1300 and 1500 AD due to an influx of immigrants from the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula. The current structures visible at El Rey date from this period. El Rey served as a vital port within the coastal commercial network, alongside other significant ports like Xcaret, Xelha, Tulum, and Muyil.

The arrival of the Spaniards in the sixteenth century led to the abandonment of El Rey by the Mayans. Today, it stands as the most important archaeological site on Cancun Island, comprising 47 structures with diverse functions. Archaeologists have uncovered remains of mural paintings and drawings from the post-classical period.

A significant discovery was made during a 1975 temple excavation, where the burial site of a high-ranking individual was found. This burial included artifacts such as a copper axe, a bracelet, and shell and bone ornaments, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of El Rey Ruins in the study of Mayan civilization.