Maya history is often divided into the pre-classic(600 BC – 250 AD), Classic (250 – 900 AD) greatest pre-classic city in Guatemala was built at El Mirador, in the northernmost part of the Petèn, where the Maya’s most massive temple is found. Settlement at many Classic sites, such as Tikal, actually began in pre-Classic times and continued until the abrupt fall of Classic Maya cities. Post-Classic sites in Guatemala include the lovely ruin of Topoxtè, found on an island in Lake Yaxhà, as well as highlands cities, such as Gumarcaaj, that were destroyed in the 16th century by conquering Spaniards. Visitors to Guatemala’s Maya World have a chance to explore many acclaimed archaeological sites, some of which lie within the 3.9 million acres of protected forests and wetlands that form the Maya biosphere. Here they will see many of the animals, such as monkeys, jaguars, bats and crocodiles, that figured prominently in Maya art and mythology.