The Battle of Aké and the Conquest of Yucatan. By Nicoletta Maestri Aké is an important Maya site in northern Yucatan, around 20 miles from Mérida. The site lies within the terrains of an early 20th century henequen plant, a fiber used to produce ropes, cordage and basketry among other things. This industry was particularly prosperous in Yucatan, especially before the advent of synthetic fabrics. Some of the plant facilities are still in place, and a small church exists on top of one of the ancient mounds. Aké was occupied for a very long time, beginning in the Late Preclassic, around 350 BC, to the Postclassic period, when the place played an important role in the Spanish conquest of Yucatan. Aké was one of the last ruins to be visited by the famous explorers Stephens and Catherwood in their last trip to Yucatan. In their book, Incident of Travels in Yucatan, they left a detailed description of its monuments. Site Layout The site core of Ake covers more than two hecta...