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. Majestic temples are just evidence of this. They were built in almost all major cities. The reasons why civilization fell into decay remain unknown until now. In this article we will talk about the location of the most famous temples, symbols and signs that are found in them.
general characteristics
Mayan temples are of great interest to modern scholars. 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 which was the cave of the ancestors. That is why tombs were often placed inside the pyramids.
Mayan temples were intended to depict a kind of exit from the cave, long and magnificent stairs led to them. Mostly they were square in shape and very cramped. Always without windows, with one or more doors.
An important feature of the ancient Mayan temples was the "roofing comb", which was built on the roof. It housed most of the jewelry. Outwardly, it was a high construction, emphasizing the verticality of the temple and the idea of approaching the sky.
In some cities, these facilities housed observatories. These were square or round towers with stairs, on top of which there were observation rooms.
Temple of 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 of Pacal I. It is located in Palenque in the north-east of the state of Chiapas in Mexico.
An untouched tomb was discovered by archaeologist Alberto Rousse Luilha 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. To date, most of them have already been read.
This Mayan temple is a step pyramid of nine levels. Its height is 24 meters. Presumably in antiquity it was all covered with red stucco, from which today there is nothing left. Over the pylons of the northern facade, 44 symbols were inscribed, of which only six were preserved. 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 origin, who were supposed to accompany Pakal in the afterlife.
The area of the tomb is 9x4 meters, the height of the vaulted ceiling is about 7 meters. On the walls are gypsum statues, which, apparently, represent the Lords of Darkness. In Mayan mythology, these are the rulers of 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, carved from a single piece of stone. On it lies a massive slab weighing another 5.5 tons. On both sides are the symbols behind which are the years of Pakal's life, as well as the dates of the death of their predecessors.
Kukulkan Pyramid
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 ruler 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. From four sides from the base of the pyramid to the top are steep stairs. It is here that every year on the day of the spring and autumn equinox you can observe a unique sight when the shadow from the stepped edges of the pyramid falls on the stones of the balustrade. At this moment, it feels like 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 in it. 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 religious building under this name is located in the ancient ruined city of El Zots. It was located in the Pitin Valley, was built in the pre-Columbian era. It is believed that this is one of the largest cities in Maya. Today, only stone ruins remain from it, including the Mayan Sun Temple.
As a result of archaeological excavations, scientists were able to discover the pyramid of the Sun 13 meters high. At its top are the tombs of the rulers and the ruins of the royal palace. This temple is not only remarkable for its burials, but also for stucco masks, which personified the numerous essences of the sun god.
To date, this temple is cleared and studied by archaeologists only 30%. Based on experience and previous studies, scientists came to the conclusion that two-meter-high stucco masks serve to decorate the main part of the pyramid. On top, most likely, are smooth tracks.
It is believed that the temple was built to link the Mayan government with the solar god.
Uxmal
Under this name is known 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, along the edges of which there are buildings made in the classical style.
Currently, the territory of the city of Uxmal is carefully examined by archaeologists from around the world. It was possible to carry out a partial restoration of some buildings.
Among the numerous monuments of monumental architecture, the "Palace of the Ruler" should be highlighted. This is one of the most beautiful buildings, decorated with mosaic friezes and sculptures. Here was the "Dwarf Castle", or "The Pyramid of the Wizard." This is a temple located on the top of a 38-meter oval-shaped pyramid that resembles the Mayan dwelling. Of great interest is the complex of four buildings with an arch surrounding the courtyard. In the guidebooks it is listed as the "Convent".
Impressions of tourists
In their reviews, tourists admit that temples are one of the most important impressions that remains after a trip to Mexico. They amaze the imagination with their incredible beauty and scale.
Of course, some temple complexes have a long drive on bad roads. But if you are in Mexico, you can believe it will be worth it. You must go on such an excursion.