Entries from March 2008
March 30, 2008 · Comments Off
Uxmal is one of the most well known of the Maya cities, and rated by many archaeologists as the finest. There is also a small museum and auditorium. There’s an admission fee of around $4 and a further fee for the sound and light show. All the sites are free on Sundays
From Mérida, follow the 261 in the direction of Campeche. The site is about 70 miles from Mérida and it should take about an hour by car. Background — The name Uxmal means ‘thrice-built’ in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician.
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Categories: Uxmal
March 29, 2008 · Comments Off
Categories: Yaxchilan MAyan
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Categories: Chichen Itza
March 29, 2008 · Comments Off
Uxmal is ancient city in the north Yucatán peninsula of Mexico. A Late Classic period Maya center, Uxmal flourished between 600 and 900. The site has several fine examples of Mayan architecture, including the Nunnery, with elaborate stone mosaic friezes; the Governor’s Palace, with some 20,000 carved stone elements and the Pyramid of the Magician. Uxmal Pronounced “oosh-mawl,” Uxmal was one of the greatest Maya cities. More on Mayan Kids…
The Nunnery is thought to have been a school of some sort, either for the military or the children of the elite classes. Southwest of the pyramid, is the Governor’s Palace, the largest and fanciest structure in Uxmal. The intricate stonework and the 320 foot long mosaic facade of the palace make the building the most beautiful of Uxmal. The Palace’s main door was placed in perfect alignment with Venus. Another large structure on the site is the Great Pyramid.
At Uxmal, the Pyramid of the Magician is 90 feet tall
The Palace of the Governor – Regarded by many experts as the best example of Puuc architecture in existence, the Palace of the Governor stands on an raised platform and is thought to be one of the last constructed building on the site (around 980 AD). The structure has a typical plain lower section and a richly carved upper. Carvings include serpents, lattices and masks and a central seated god-like figure with a long plumed head- dress.
House of the Turtles — Next to the Palace of the Governor and on the same raised platform stands the House of the Turtles. Turtles were carved around the cornice. It was believed that turtles suffered with man at times of drought and would also pray to Chac for rain.
The Great Pyramid — Originally nine levels high, the Great Pyramid has been partially restored.
Uxmal is one of the most well known of the Maya cities, and rated by many archaeologists as the finest.
Categories: Uxmal
March 29, 2008 · Comments Off
Categories: Uxmal
March 29, 2008 · Comments Off
Categories: Ball Courts
March 29, 2008 · Comments Off
Categories: Oaxaca
March 29, 2008 · Comments Off
Categories: Palenque
March 29, 2008 · Comments Off
Categories: Tulum
