Which ancient site was regarded as a sacred place in the Maya civilization, located in the Petén Basin region of Guatemala?

Uaxactun is indeed recognized as a significant site within the Maya civilization and plays an important role in understanding their sacred landscapes. Located just north of Tikal in the Petén Basin, Uaxactun was not only an urban center but also contained important ceremonial and religious structures, including temples and pyramids.

The site is historically notable for its astronomical observatory, which reflects the Maya's sophisticated understanding of celestial movements, and it is believed that many rituals and ceremonies were conducted there. The presence of stelae and altars within the site signifies its sacred importance to the Maya people. This connection to spirituality and ceremonial practices elevates Uaxactun's standing as a sacred space in contrast to other important sites like Tikal, Copan, and Calakmul, which also have rich histories and contributions to Maya civilization, but may not be regarded with the same specific sacred emphasis in this context.

In light of this, Uaxactun's role as a ceremonial hub within the Petén Basin highlights its historical significance as a sacred place in the Maya civilization.