- Inhabited since 6th century BC, and abandoned 10th century CE - Was "discovered" at the end of the 17th century by missionary - One of the largest ancient cities of the Mayan civilization - Located in northern Guatemala - City thrived for nearly 1,000 years - Suddenly was abandoned in the 10th century - Believed that at one point in time, Tikal had a population of up to 100,000 people