Uxmal

One of the largest and finest cities in the Yucatan, Uxmal flourished in the Late Classic period around 600-900AD and supported 25,000 people. The city was located in a strategic location within the proximity of the Puuc hills. During periods of rain rich topsoil from the mountains would be washed down the slopes, resulting in fertile soil for Uxmal's inhabitants to grow crops on. The architectural style at Uxmal was that typical of the Puuc region with elaborate exterior carvings and mosaics. Uxmal means "thrice-built" after the building over of various existing structures that was characteristic of Mesoamerican culture. The 117ft(38m) high Pyramid of the Magician seen there today was actually built over 4 smaller interior pyramids. The city itself went through phrases of reconstruction and saw the reverence of the Rain God give way to that of Kukulkan around 800AD.

Along with the Pyramid of the Magician, the "Casa de las Monjas" (The Nunnery) and the Palace of the Governor, are famous tourist hot spots (although their names are merely guesses at their functions). Here, we will be examining the latter structure. Built around 987AD, it stands on a raised platform with an undecorated lower section and a richly carved upper boosting carved depictions of serpents, lattices and masks of the god Chac. Also adorned with 350 glyphs relating to the planet Venus, it has been called the best example of Puuc architecture and style by many archaeologists. (Above: a carving found above one of the entrances to the palace; photo by Cliff Ruggles.)

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