Mayan temples are one of the most famous structures in the architecture of this mysterious ancient civilization. It was located in the north of Central America. It is believed that most of the city-states of the Indians of this tribe reached their maximum prosperity by 250 - 900 BC. The majestic temples are just evidence of this. They were built in almost all major cities. The reasons why civilization declined remain unknown to this day. In this article we will talk about the location of the most famous temples, the symbols and signs that are found in them.
General characteristics
Mayan temples are of great interest to modern researchers. They were built on the tops of the pyramids, the height of which reached 50 - 60 meters. The pyramids themselves were depicted in the form of a mountain, inside of which there was an ancestral cave. That is why tombs were often placed inside the pyramids.
Mayan temples were designed to depict a kind of exit from the cave, long and majestic stairs led to them. Mostly they were square in shape and very cramped. Always windowless, with one or more doors.
An important feature of the ancient Mayan temples was the "roof comb" that was built on the roof. It had most of the decorations on it. Outwardly, it was a tall structure, emphasizing the verticality of the temple and the idea of approaching the sky.
In some cities, observatories were located in these structures. They were square or round towers with stairs, at the top of which were observation rooms.
Temple of the Inscriptions
One of the most famous Mayan temples is called the Temple of the Inscriptions. This is an architectural structure of the 7th century, built over the tomb of the ruler of the Baakul kingdom, Pacal I. It is located in Palenque in the northeast of the state of Chiapas in Mexico.
The intact tomb was discovered by archaeologist Alberto Ruz Luillier in 1952. The name of the temple was given, focusing on the numerous symbols and signs left on its walls. In total, 617 hieroglyphs were found on stone slabs. By now, most of them have already been read.
This Mayan temple is a stepped pyramid with nine levels. Its height is 24 meters. Presumably in ancient times it was all covered with red plaster, of which nothing remains today. Above the pylons of the northern facade were44 characters were inscribed, of which only six have survived. Two of them turned out to be the dates of the construction and grand opening of the temple.
Tomb and sarcophagus
The entrance to the burial chamber was blocked by two walls, behind which artifacts and five skeletons of people of both sexes who died a violent death were found. These were people of noble birth who were supposed to accompany Pacal in the afterlife.
The area of the tomb is 9x4 meters, the height of the vaulted ceiling is about 7 meters. There are plaster statues on the walls, which, apparently, personify the Lords of Darkness. In Mayan mythology, these are the rulers of the 9 tiers of the kingdom of death or the underworlds.
The massive sarcophagus occupies almost the entire space of the burial chamber in the Mayan temple. It weighs 15 tons and is carved from a single piece of stone. On it lies a massive slab weighing another 5.5 tons. On both sides are symbols that hide the years of Pacal's life, as well as the dates of death of his predecessors.
Pyramid of Kukulkan
Another famous Mayan temple, the photo of which is known to many, is the Kukulkan pyramid. It is located among the ruins of the ancient city of Chichen Itza on the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula.
Kukulkan is one of the supreme deities. He was considered the lord of water, wind, air and fire, as well as the founder of large cities and royal dynasties.
There are 9 steps on each side of the temple. Steep stairs lead from the base of the pyramid to the top on four sides. It is here that every year on the day of spring andOn the autumn equinox, a unique spectacle can be observed when the shadow from the stepped ribs of the pyramid falls on the stones of the balustrade. At this moment, it seems that the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl) comes to life and crawls. In September it goes down, and in March it goes up.
The temple with four entrances is located at the top of the pyramid. It is known that sacrifices were made there. Inside the pyramid itself are sacrificial figures. Interestingly, in addition to the function of the temple, the pyramid also served as a calendar.
Temple of the Sun
A cult building with this name is located in the ancient ruined city of El Zots. It was located in the Pitin Valley and was built in the pre-Columbian era. It is believed that this is one of the largest Mayan cities. Today, only stone ruins remain, including the Mayan Sun Temple.
As a result of archaeological excavations, scientists managed to discover a pyramid of the Sun 13 meters high. On its top are the tombs of the rulers and the ruins of the royal palace. This temple is remarkable not only for its burials, but also for its stucco masks, which personified the numerous essences of the Sun God.
To date, this temple has been cleared and studied by archaeologists only by 30%. Based on experience and previous research, scientists have concluded that two-meter-high stucco masks serve to decorate the main part of the pyramid. Above, most likely, there are smooth tracks.
It is believed that the temple was built to connect the Mayan government with the sun god.
Uxmal
Underthis name is known for a large city of the Mayan tribe, which is located in the northwest of the Yucatan Peninsula. It was founded at the beginning of the 11th century. It was one of the political and cultural centers of this civilization. It is characterized by large square squares flanked by classical buildings.
Currently, the territory of the city of Uxmal is carefully studied by archaeologists from all over the world. It was possible to carry out partial restoration of some buildings.
Among the numerous monuments of monumental architecture, the "Palace of the Ruler" should be singled out. This is one of the most beautiful buildings, decorated with mosaic frieze and sculptures. Here was also the "Castle of the Dwarf", or the "Pyramid of the Wizard". This is a temple located on top of a 38-meter oval-shaped pyramid, outwardly resembling a Mayan dwelling. Of great interest is a complex of four buildings with an arch surrounding the courtyard. In guidebooks, it is listed as the "Convent".
Tourist experiences
In their reviews, tourists admit that temples are one of the most important impressions that remains after traveling to Mexico. They amaze the imagination with their incredible beauty and scale.
Of course, some temple complexes take a long time to get on bad roads. But if you happen to be in Mexico, you can trust that it will be worth it. You should definitely go on such an excursion.
