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The oldest part of the city is located around a clay reservoir. The first permanent buildings were erected around the first century BC. The central plaza of the site was not begun until 250 AD. The temples seem to be constructed in layers, adding new complexes on to suit their changing needs. One of the most interesting temples is the temple of the masonry alters with its unique round alter and unusual sacrificial practices in which jade and incense was offered. The construction of these temples continued until the ninth century, when the construction abruptly halts. There is some evidence that suggests the fall of Altun Ha was due to peasant revolt. There were later inhabitants but they mainly saw the main temple grounds as a sacred site only fit for their garbage.