A major Classic Maya city in the northeastern Yucatán Peninsula, built around two lagoons and the hub of the largest network of raised stone causeways (sacbeob) in the Maya world, including one running over 100 km to Yaxuná. At its peak it may have held 50,000+ inhabitants across an 80 sq km built-up area.
Its bulk of monumental construction dates to the middle-to-late Classic period (c. 500-900 AD), with most dated hieroglyphic inscriptions from the 7th century. Unlike many southern lowland cities, Cobá remained an important center into the Postclassic — new temples were built and old ones maintained until at least the 14th century, possibly up to Spanish contact.
General Classic Maya political history that situates Cobá's causeway network and regional power alongside Tikal, Calakmul, and the northern lowlands.