The Majestic Mayan Temple Pyramids In Mexico

The Majestic Mayan Temple Pyramids In Mexico

by Frank D. Gardner

The Maya civilization was discovered to be among the most sophisticated cultures that have existed in the Western Hemisphere before the arrival of the European conquerors.

The Maya civilization prospered from 300 to 900 AD and in the time of its peak, more than 40 cities comprised it which reached several countries such as Belize, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.

It was in the Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas and Tabasco that the Mayan ruins were discovered. There are actually numerous ancient sites which have been discovered as well as excavated in Mexico and there were a few which have overgrown and not yet been discovered.

The Amazing And Historic Mayan Temples Of Chichen Itza

Among the Mayan archaeological sites, Chichen Itza is the most well known. Several of the most visited ancient temples here include the Temple of the Warriors or Templo de los Guerreros, El Castillo, El Caracol and Ossario.

Also referred to as the Temple of Kulkucan, the El Castillo or the Castle has 365 steps. Each of the steps in this temple represents each day of the year. This structure has four sides having 91 steps each and the 365th step is the top platform.

One of the most imposing structures of Chichen Itza is the Temple of the Warriors. It is recognized as a late Maya structure which can accommodate a large number of people owing to its enormous size. In such structure, there are four platforms which have 200 square and round columns on its south and west sides.

El Caracol is a unique observatory tower in Chichen Itza which means 'snail' which represents the spiral staircase inside the building.

Another stepped pyramid structure of Chichen Itza is the Ossario which is a lot like the El Castillo however smaller in size. It was Edward H. Thompson who excavated this temple in the late part of the 1800's. He was also the one who named this structure the Temple of the High Priest because he has found some precious artifacts like jade beads and skeletons.

The Mayan Temples Of Palenque

One other important ancient city in Mexico is Palenque. This place boasts several of the most famous structures like the Palace, Temple of the Inscriptions, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross, Observation Tower, Temple of the Skull, Temple XIII as well as Temple of the Count

Among the ancient Maya structure in Palenque, the Temple of the Inscription is the most well-known. It is 66 feet tall. The temple has 5 entrance doors and before there was a roof comb on its roof. The four piers located in the center of the temple are perceived as the remnants of the stuck figures which could have stood there. K'inich Kan B'alam was the great king who reigned in the city of Palenque for 68 years and his complete records of life and death were found in the Temple of the Cross.

The Temple of the Skull is also called Temple XII and it is positioned right beside Temple XIII. Both the temples were created on the top of a huge platform and each building features a stairway going to the top of the temples. The top structures were built on existing buildings, according to an archaeologist.

The Mayan Temples In Tulum

The Pyramid El Castillo as well as the Temple Del Dios Descendente or also called the Temple of the Descending God are the significant temples found in Tulum.

The Pyramid El Castillo is the most prominent temple in Tulum. It has the shape of a pyramid and it sits at the edge of the cliffs overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Moreover, this temple served as a watchtower as well as lighthouse because there are two lanterns at the top, guiding the boats that go in and out of the port.

Tulum's small building is called the Temple of the Descending God yet it holds great significance. One can find a strange stucco relief on the western doorway of this temple; it is an upside down winged figure which represents the Mayan Diving God. The very old structure was greatly decorated with images of snakes, sun, rain and seashells.

Kabah Mayan Ruins

Kabah's most prominent ancient structure is the Palace of the Masks or Codz Poop, showing some Chene elements and covered with masks of Chac, the Maya Rain God.



Visiting the <a href="http://www.onejungle.com/travel-resources/articles/mayan-ruins/item/95-mayan-temples">Mexico Mayan Temples</a> offers a great insight about the ancient civilization that some time ago existed and that continue to influence and amaze the modern world. Discover Mexico, read more stories about the interesting and mysterious Mayan ruins, visit One Jungle <a href="http://www.adventure-community.onejungle.com">Adventure Travel Community</a>.

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