In the Yucatan peninsula, in Mexico, the ceremonial center of Uxmal, one of the best samples that we have today of the Mayan civilization. Visiting this pre-Hispanic city is knowing first hand a piece of the history of man.
Declared World Heritage in 1996, Uxmal represents the valuable legacy that the Mayans left in Mexico, specifically in the Puuc region, where this pre-Hispanic city is located, in the southwest of the state of Yucatan.
The reconstruction of the Mayan legacy
The proximity of Uxmal to the city of Mérida attracted the attention of some researchers and artists to the Mayan ruins in the 19th century, but excavations did not begin until 1943 archaeological and also the reconstruction works. Most of the buildings in Uxmal are from the period late classic (between the VIII and XII centuries).
It highlights the perfection of the decorative arts that its buildings show, whose facades are adorned at the top with beautiful relief mosaics.
Impressive buildings
Unlike other Mayan cities, Uxmal was not planned according to a geometric layout, but the different elements are adapted to the wavy topography of the place where it sits. The main buildings are the Pyramid of the Fortune Teller, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Palomar group, the House of the Turtles and the Governor's Palace.
The highest, the Fortune Teller Pyramid dominates the place (it has a height of 28 m.). It was built between 700 and 900, and is made up of three superimposed platforms (two of them are accessed by stairs located on both sides of the structure).
To the west of the pyramid is the Nun's Quadrangle, the masterpiece of the Puuc style. It is a set of four buildings located on a platform that limits a rectangular patio. The rich decoration of the facade of the main building is a spectacular example of the geometric art and abstract of the Mayans.
Pre Hispanic Town of Uxmal / Tourist Destination Mexico (May 2024)
- archeology
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