Tikal was one of the largest and most powerful Maya city-states in the Classic period, and the center of a regional polity that dominated much of the Petén region of Guatemala. It was also the first Maya city to be extensively investigated by archaeologists, and has many impressive temples, palaces, and monuments.
Palenque was a medium-sized Maya city-state in the western Chiapas region of Mexico, known for its artistic and architectural achievements, especially the intricate reliefs and sculptures that adorn its buildings. It was also the home of the famous ruler Pakal the Great, who commissioned a remarkable tomb under the Temple of the Inscriptions.
Caracol was a major Maya city-state in the southern Belize region, that rose to prominence in the Late Classic period, reaching a peak population of over 100,000. It was a rival of Tikal, and engaged in several wars with neighboring polities. It has a large central acropolis, a massive pyramid called Caana, and many stelae and altars.
Calakmul was a huge Maya city-state in the southern Campeche region of Mexico, that was the core of a sprawling political entity known as the Snake Kingdom, which encompassed much of the Yucatán Peninsula and northern Guatemala. It was the main antagonist of Tikal, and competed for hegemony in the Maya lowlands for centuries. It has over 6,000 structures, including the tallest Maya pyramid, and many carved monuments featuring the emblem glyph of the Snake King.
Uxmal was a major Maya city-state in the Puuc region of the northern Yucatán, that flourished in the Late Classic period, and was the capital of a regional alliance of polities. It was renowned for its elegant and elaborate architecture, characterized by smooth stone surfaces, ornate facades, and intricate geometric patterns. It has many well-preserved buildings, such as the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor's Palace, and the Nunnery Quadrangle.