In Maya language Xtampak means "Old or ancient walls". The evidence of the first human occupation of the site dates from the Late Preclassic 300-250 B.C.E. During the 200-year period from 600 to 800 C.E., in the Late Classic period, Santa Rosa Xtampak became an important political entity of the Chenes region, which is clearly reflected on the extension of its nucleus and the amount and monumentality of its edifices. The decadence of the site seems to have started during the early Terminal Classic, from 800 to 1000 C.E.. This site is considered as the largest and most important pre-hispanic city in the chenes region, it became a regional capitol in the Maya area.