tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45966298979806412032024-03-06T14:01:20.203-06:00Mayan Ruins ExploredInfo and photos of known and lesser known Mayan Ruins around México and Central AmericaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-78028889256763678892009-07-09T11:20:00.004-05:002009-07-10T09:07:24.767-05:00Oxkintok Ruinas StoryOn Sunday, July 5th, we drove south of Mérida on the Ruta Puuc, an area dotted with ruins, cenotes and underground caverns. We found Oxkintok by accident. It was a surprisingly impressive discovery. As we drove the final four kilometers on the gravel road we were surrounded by partial ruins and unrestored pyramids. Thirty groups of buildings have been discovered at the site. Of those, three main groups have been restored in an 8 sq. km. area. The Ah May, Ah Canul and Ah Zib Groups each from separate eras of life in Oxkintok.<br /><br /><br />Archaelogists have become excited about Oxkintok in the past several years. This site is located halfway between Celestún on the Gulf Coast and Dzibilchaltún north of Mérida. The three centers are connected by sacbes, or raised white roads. In fact, the number of large constructions at Oxkintok and the abundance of sacbes proves there was a major political, economical and cultural exchange; the Maya had contact with the center of México as well as other Meso-American groups.<br /><br /><br />They've found inscriptions in the architecture here dating back to the 'Early Oxkintok' phase (300-500 AD) that tell of the Pre-Classic history of life in 300 BC. One of the large structures looks much like the pyramids of Teotihuacán outside of México City, a major Aztec site.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-14299026543035723502009-07-09T07:42:00.007-05:002009-07-09T11:17:40.106-05:00Oxkintok Ruinas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo2uXDbn9eW6ePg8a73JMXjXE5GlH3FYWh3KaW3tAm8Ymekk0Q1HI94aKrqBFORbj3EA1SS7Xd-mNKFQL3PSaNZ0QgX0MSBMH2DNB5MYW_hN_fIWa2Uo62xVsIh9emruMc2V4feXFvBI/s1600-h/5julruins09+062.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356471441096718018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo2uXDbn9eW6ePg8a73JMXjXE5GlH3FYWh3KaW3tAm8Ymekk0Q1HI94aKrqBFORbj3EA1SS7Xd-mNKFQL3PSaNZ0QgX0MSBMH2DNB5MYW_hN_fIWa2Uo62xVsIh9emruMc2V4feXFvBI/s400/5julruins09+062.JPG" /></a><br /><em>Buildings in Ah Canul Group dating back to 500-600 AD.<br /></em><br /><br />(I am unable to move these photos around. They are out of order. I'm going to have to wing it and post the information separately.)<br /><br /><em>Evidence of two distinct building styles and phases, Ah Canul Group.</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa9IjPpCyUPINF50DUScxf2rzp26K1ZMMZgajaAba0JbECrlf6iB5tQBDD2P4F0lONaNcs1J7iBSOqoOigHUSvJOZCUHndCUvllO2xMXgVa5SJM_JzAZovn84pZ29g_wuDsE7jnlZCiI/s1600-h/5julruins09+084.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356444807325164898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa9IjPpCyUPINF50DUScxf2rzp26K1ZMMZgajaAba0JbECrlf6iB5tQBDD2P4F0lONaNcs1J7iBSOqoOigHUSvJOZCUHndCUvllO2xMXgVa5SJM_JzAZovn84pZ29g_wuDsE7jnlZCiI/s400/5julruins09+084.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72KqlZCndvoSG7VmpLMooCBgqitjUMhaTXJTXS19Y8-5m4vJ12cLiNRGp8O4xr6o0KN7M5rJPrhkpAYW5FZhBNvhrqvDbVv84U7x5gvTzJWjNqXc4KnMs35a0d5aO_9_qrYOS0IwGp-8/s1600-h/5julruins09+072.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356444802439711442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72KqlZCndvoSG7VmpLMooCBgqitjUMhaTXJTXS19Y8-5m4vJ12cLiNRGp8O4xr6o0KN7M5rJPrhkpAYW5FZhBNvhrqvDbVv84U7x5gvTzJWjNqXc4KnMs35a0d5aO_9_qrYOS0IwGp-8/s400/5julruins09+072.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7doFX6pOlBiOJpAPvynQLhGo2_ARbVnUa1VXEMxs4IjTWU_nv50iTLRpI_QUs9eZcLpuGJv9qoM6nkARU4Mu0KF_GWYQXB6tJ9zP_SHMH-DwsWpw_R_3l5UvZziW40BMLu7CE3Q8JLhk/s1600-h/5julruins09+080.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356444798467205122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7doFX6pOlBiOJpAPvynQLhGo2_ARbVnUa1VXEMxs4IjTWU_nv50iTLRpI_QUs9eZcLpuGJv9qoM6nkARU4Mu0KF_GWYQXB6tJ9zP_SHMH-DwsWpw_R_3l5UvZziW40BMLu7CE3Q8JLhk/s400/5julruins09+080.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOlID1pkr7smRvks5sSj-i8p0POSyVsUgz-NgzM6e1UgKo4Fz2MgY8oMV3hOJVm2OZhZ-incFri9dhJLi23SL6KbVF5ckjudZrY7kJWJo-G1LUeuRykLsp6bl2YZRRPidEfsDLonHaUc/s1600-h/5julruins09+099.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356444793033396418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOlID1pkr7smRvks5sSj-i8p0POSyVsUgz-NgzM6e1UgKo4Fz2MgY8oMV3hOJVm2OZhZ-incFri9dhJLi23SL6KbVF5ckjudZrY7kJWJo-G1LUeuRykLsp6bl2YZRRPidEfsDLonHaUc/s400/5julruins09+099.JPG" /></a><br /><em>The above photos taken of courtyard in the Ah Canul Group.</em><br /><br /><div><em>The road to ruins.<br /></em><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356441992668675426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqL6mcLVLmLgs2VJqVbvZeIVgFf6r7iG7uaJJf-UoT0Elelq9DXE6ddCplGcv4xESWkb35iOHW_mp4APyDEF2UpMGeD7cWCp6V81VW9PdJO_liucXH582SNwOsD_L-SmW4L9TUCD0788/s400/5julruins09+011.JPG" /><br /><br /><em>The grounds were extensive and nicely manicured. It was really peaceful there</em>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1tnBxdrnqiovywcSyX9KkU6Cu9hC3LQinBvSZk5xNJGMfPaEeBDkRFAn3dZ1P9Ei0iWZrgj3bvDhWEWjjp3wFOh3TjxH9bvnUZ8QV7HKWJEh96IDfDveW6rC2H2tu-Sey1qIp4iCaes/s1600-h/5julruins09+048.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356441972588190130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1tnBxdrnqiovywcSyX9KkU6Cu9hC3LQinBvSZk5xNJGMfPaEeBDkRFAn3dZ1P9Ei0iWZrgj3bvDhWEWjjp3wFOh3TjxH9bvnUZ8QV7HKWJEh96IDfDveW6rC2H2tu-Sey1qIp4iCaes/s400/5julruins09+048.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><em>The largest restored pyramid in the Ah May Group.<br /></em><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6ue1uL-6vypr8q-qwFgldogmuTqBkXFbjhMW4bqoTRDCG_fUMP-2uvbaWVPBRnWaXjfBaedwWBVsL43aeSYKw3QtOK96pFZ89S44IznpR5nQokKJ-XxFDMeJvPjcmaCSdDUe5pTtrw8/s1600-h/5julruins09+046.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356441987094330994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6ue1uL-6vypr8q-qwFgldogmuTqBkXFbjhMW4bqoTRDCG_fUMP-2uvbaWVPBRnWaXjfBaedwWBVsL43aeSYKw3QtOK96pFZ89S44IznpR5nQokKJ-XxFDMeJvPjcmaCSdDUe5pTtrw8/s400/5julruins09+046.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><em>The labyrinth.<br /></em><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_SbCS4p7lfhu2423RwYPzxA6H55B2Mzkp3O-lFqv9Bj8zJ0ZxhtJ1m-1-ub8S2nHODv16eQjdTk3yBGQkGOgn_dT7ift7fmBNrCkPsR-0tjZsvzhNG4Nd0dC5yfPdnfFkx_i-ypfBJw/s1600-h/5julruins09+041.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356441977611915378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_SbCS4p7lfhu2423RwYPzxA6H55B2Mzkp3O-lFqv9Bj8zJ0ZxhtJ1m-1-ub8S2nHODv16eQjdTk3yBGQkGOgn_dT7ift7fmBNrCkPsR-0tjZsvzhNG4Nd0dC5yfPdnfFkx_i-ypfBJw/s400/5julruins09+041.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-71133632464251062222009-05-18T14:49:00.008-05:002009-05-27T16:32:34.247-05:00LabnáLabná, or "Casa Vieja" in Mayan, is located 122 kms. south of Mérida along Hwy 261, or more commonly known as LA RUTA PUUC. "Puuc" means "hilly" or "hills", thus also describes the typical architecture found in this area. Several ruins are located in the vicinity which might be the only part of Yucatán state that is not as flat as a cornfield in Iowa. <div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div>Labná is treated as a lesser known ruin because only an area of 300 square meters is open to visitors. Its numerous buildings are spread out over a much larger unrestored, undiscovered area. It is believed at least 3000 Maya lived here between the years 600-900 AD. </div><div></div><div></div><div>The main structures are connected by a series of sacb'e(o'ob) (white roads), the longest of which is shown in the photo below.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC9_8ECLisXsA6E1xITYwvMfb4b-GQmqXoUluxyTbxwzn0nUJEjXFyz8kM1sD__7eSGl7L5aZMaXSCAGfyjHGDG6NJ6GY183uiGBOS2P0ROu1mwluw099Ls6NVEHQ-_QNSLLnQWRr_bU/s1600-h/P1010013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340605366028106130" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC9_8ECLisXsA6E1xITYwvMfb4b-GQmqXoUluxyTbxwzn0nUJEjXFyz8kM1sD__7eSGl7L5aZMaXSCAGfyjHGDG6NJ6GY183uiGBOS2P0ROu1mwluw099Ls6NVEHQ-_QNSLLnQWRr_bU/s400/P1010013.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />Labná is a great day trip from Mérida. We got off to a late start the day we went and didn't stop at other Puuc ruins that day. When we got there we were the only visitors on the site. The temples and buildings are set in an open flat area that is nestled in the Puuc. Other than the manicured lawn, the area is lush with vegetation and birdlife. The caretakers of the area are very laid back, and we took the opportunity to practice some of our Mayan language skills with them. They sell cold drinks and memorabilia and talk story with the visitors.<br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iUMwUaep-rM-3TPjfIYuSGUijhAxX9-1hobjDUHGOcFpcMhXBTNkAvVQVevGxwSibHBxWuKkgO8ZO29SMbTGsCFELL7hKojUN73vfx95B8LyD-BelpCjctLsN0xISSEsJjQSjobz_kg/s1600-h/P1010028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340605381170642306" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iUMwUaep-rM-3TPjfIYuSGUijhAxX9-1hobjDUHGOcFpcMhXBTNkAvVQVevGxwSibHBxWuKkgO8ZO29SMbTGsCFELL7hKojUN73vfx95B8LyD-BelpCjctLsN0xISSEsJjQSjobz_kg/s400/P1010028.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />The first thing you see entering the site is the Palacio. It is one of the longest buildings in the region, very decoratively carved and quite well preserved. There are many impressive and unique carvings, including several of Chak, the rain god.<br /></div><div></div><div>Contemplating the Palacio is Lynne, visiting from Alaska. This was the first Mayan ruin site she had ever visited.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZd6Ll0OcwH3UptiPCaWgJ016JuEqI-v_oG2vylpYzVl8VK2JMjPyDiJ_xpFxfptTchCtzp-_LEvzceiYUKiAKuaokqKgpsSJrVe3r_jAT8QsXx-pGtanWEBH-Z6RUXiHksF4s-1iOMY/s1600-h/P1010017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340605379338055458" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZd6Ll0OcwH3UptiPCaWgJ016JuEqI-v_oG2vylpYzVl8VK2JMjPyDiJ_xpFxfptTchCtzp-_LEvzceiYUKiAKuaokqKgpsSJrVe3r_jAT8QsXx-pGtanWEBH-Z6RUXiHksF4s-1iOMY/s400/P1010017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Looking down the length of the main section of El Palacio.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFy6HuGtXyWosqaLk6mG8sy73PoGujfLBiZbC4OE8rpSJGpTvwe6uRNEl7HwKf5i_jBTYlKJjvjIwbndvd7NTSwNZzuYMw_-mEUJPbDtsp_wcErwYBYMqrE08_0kLb8tUBlCflLSh0Io/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337254179514026658" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFy6HuGtXyWosqaLk6mG8sy73PoGujfLBiZbC4OE8rpSJGpTvwe6uRNEl7HwKf5i_jBTYlKJjvjIwbndvd7NTSwNZzuYMw_-mEUJPbDtsp_wcErwYBYMqrE08_0kLb8tUBlCflLSh0Io/s400/P1010007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the kind of place I can sit and think for hours about what all this means. A visit to Labná makes for an inspiring location to write or draw.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWk0Z1ut3THqANzGRq3llkN5By8PIovZKNmSSCuJWDkuiPdw6UbHJrgMqq1SH2GXliD-vIREBXdMsbg_BzqsZD4-CjHCkgKKlrq8JXRfPGfVt2yG5HoKO4oHr8pU6dqf7IU7ZGMBklTc/s1600-h/P1010015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340605372302453730" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWk0Z1ut3THqANzGRq3llkN5By8PIovZKNmSSCuJWDkuiPdw6UbHJrgMqq1SH2GXliD-vIREBXdMsbg_BzqsZD4-CjHCkgKKlrq8JXRfPGfVt2yG5HoKO4oHr8pU6dqf7IU7ZGMBklTc/s400/P1010015.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />Chak mask.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvECtEBG9MV18KFbOFQKexxaA8TMIs7lvcKP7Ff6be76WDTA8GtJwc2kk7GRAjX_JEdzIcfKCbjNtwZZ6n7wTUWtJ1F0lSw-_djz7iC92DQInTXwGAEHehoGfF9mrEPbAkbvT2rmZcJ0/s1600-h/P1010021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337254185022325858" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvECtEBG9MV18KFbOFQKexxaA8TMIs7lvcKP7Ff6be76WDTA8GtJwc2kk7GRAjX_JEdzIcfKCbjNtwZZ6n7wTUWtJ1F0lSw-_djz7iC92DQInTXwGAEHehoGfF9mrEPbAkbvT2rmZcJ0/s400/P1010021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Looking at El Palacio from afar. The lawn is inviting, isn't it?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ4wtgWt0iTfHd4yvXkSyYTxfUO1vb9qwXgX89Lzu3tOUV_6oJ8PIGPQHvZNnJIYMQYLoswLrCZcxa5okASIeKXDFiAU61kTp_VCJdzi2l1y3p-chlUNVmsHsRGo7SLhRz2ZXAnNvhqs/s1600-h/P1010014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340605367033801106" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ4wtgWt0iTfHd4yvXkSyYTxfUO1vb9qwXgX89Lzu3tOUV_6oJ8PIGPQHvZNnJIYMQYLoswLrCZcxa5okASIeKXDFiAU61kTp_VCJdzi2l1y3p-chlUNVmsHsRGo7SLhRz2ZXAnNvhqs/s400/P1010014.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>This is a reconstruction of Labná's most famous feature, the corbeled arch, connected to the Palacio by a long sacbé. This scan from the book "El Mundo Maya Reconstruido" written by...as far as I can tell, several contributors. It shows the arch as it was thought to have been a link between two enclosed courtyards. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ58o1aWKPNp10-9-TSWiP1uGOgO51mnE_BW_rX4RDLystBBos_SPb9VHzwo7UgY05sK11wNej-ECUvqBlIn2xBJVd8JsABkWJ2gXNjKqrCc4yXwfd_MotZjGY702qlHBwAPBMSu8BE-g/s1600-h/labna.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338425010714622850" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ58o1aWKPNp10-9-TSWiP1uGOgO51mnE_BW_rX4RDLystBBos_SPb9VHzwo7UgY05sK11wNej-ECUvqBlIn2xBJVd8JsABkWJ2gXNjKqrCc4yXwfd_MotZjGY702qlHBwAPBMSu8BE-g/s400/labna.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Today the arch stands alone and connects two separate open plazas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpawaDKqYbgQVChMcvE6mJCCpPhdy5O0RfeZEpprOC484DJq_oqFsF5If75sJEjudOVSWicHEzON4-lkHyvwj334jFhNAfzvV7N9RBIorTfkujMxNAkKi_-QCjpHMC0lR2KxtSXAe_VBY/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337254181982786658" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpawaDKqYbgQVChMcvE6mJCCpPhdy5O0RfeZEpprOC484DJq_oqFsF5If75sJEjudOVSWicHEzON4-lkHyvwj334jFhNAfzvV7N9RBIorTfkujMxNAkKi_-QCjpHMC0lR2KxtSXAe_VBY/s400/P1010008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>The Puuc architecture is known for its corbeled arches. The one below is part of the Palacio and we were in awe of its construction.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy_2B8Vqmwm5zTObGJq7CNf1LSsPuyj4k6VHZ0SXllsDyu2r1nPCVA0QgKjP335Ca0gfuVfOyhTQWm7mbwFLWMQION7A6QZHkD7tdro5mb46C1wBBGu05OcEyC7KSG8FOOjdHdA4cI-E/s1600-h/P1010019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337254186745334482" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy_2B8Vqmwm5zTObGJq7CNf1LSsPuyj4k6VHZ0SXllsDyu2r1nPCVA0QgKjP335Ca0gfuVfOyhTQWm7mbwFLWMQION7A6QZHkD7tdro5mb46C1wBBGu05OcEyC7KSG8FOOjdHdA4cI-E/s400/P1010019.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />The longest sacbé here begins at the Palacio and leads to el Mirador, a pyramid topped by a temple topped by a Petén style facade. The pyramid is mostly rubble and cannot be climbed. The temple at the top is positioned to be a lookout, hence the name, El Mirador. It's a good example of the Maya building over sites, adding to sites, and the changes that occurred throughout their time. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97Jt_vrz3qMG4duSZTFoOUOsWCLm2VDday4uYNURJn8WJgGyT05_ycrpc-7T6_TU0YhCbqz4FVzvIsMoE83n7XyE5E48Ucwlxy-SQmwGB9dKQB2NfZjqd3-dKjQihVOLSyyYjuJCkaYE/s1600-h/P1010010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337254181564434434" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97Jt_vrz3qMG4duSZTFoOUOsWCLm2VDday4uYNURJn8WJgGyT05_ycrpc-7T6_TU0YhCbqz4FVzvIsMoE83n7XyE5E48Ucwlxy-SQmwGB9dKQB2NfZjqd3-dKjQihVOLSyyYjuJCkaYE/s400/P1010010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div>Next time I head down the Ruta Puuc, I'll get an earlier start so we can stop at Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil and Xlapak, all nearby. All in due time, folks. We'll visit them all.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-63080427890191051992009-05-18T13:52:00.009-05:002009-06-06T16:22:24.065-05:00Copán Ruinas, HondurasSculpture of the glyph "zero" in the Grand Plaza.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lrH37yzR0AnlTQEzbQSURk6lc0CdBWy41EwwPu9w9HeNGoEzt2rKghuZ3SiiJKeP54vO9uuIaEaHdCDB9YRBBGyNYg1OXlC6LfQNEL2dk0pVxOgHneXmr49s6xHOu-rA0dTyiA8A_r0/s1600-h/P1010006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242334505466658" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lrH37yzR0AnlTQEzbQSURk6lc0CdBWy41EwwPu9w9HeNGoEzt2rKghuZ3SiiJKeP54vO9uuIaEaHdCDB9YRBBGyNYg1OXlC6LfQNEL2dk0pVxOgHneXmr49s6xHOu-rA0dTyiA8A_r0/s400/P1010006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tikal has impressive tall temples. Palenque’s pride is its limestone relief panels. Copán is famous for its sculpture and hieroglyphics. As one of the most important Mayan sites, more hieroglyphs have been found here than at any other archaeological site, offering more than just a glimpse of the history of Copán. 25,000 sculptures have been found. There are 4,500 known structures in the 135 sq. km. of ruins in the Copán Valley. Five separate phases of building have been identified. What we see today was built during 600-800 AD; underneath the visible temples are layered and connected by a series of underground tunnels.<br /><br />Copán was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980 and a Honduran National Monument in 1982. One Spaniard discovered Copán in 1570, but he only found five families living there who insisted they didn’t know anything about its history. Nearly three hundred years later another Spaniard arrived and drew up the first map of Copán.<br /><br />It is believed Copán was first inhabited circa 1200 BC and was dominant from 250 through 900 AD. 20,000 Chorti Maya lived in the 15 square miles (24 sq. km.) of the principal site. Most of the artwork we see today was built by the Kings Smoke Shell and 18 Rabbit between 600 and 700 AD.<br /><br /><br />Admiring the work of the ancients.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP6XN5mXeLjmVN9m-NCRvSoUTOn-LNFqMVgLZxOsgelylU-qpd-fQkV4nxbzu3Lir0vtMU4QgK5eVKT96qUgxwHVRL4qIJGhnU1Q60kc0yYArMVX2FYhEIeJSR1GRDY_G0lJUPW_aLZU/s1600-h/P1010117.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337252438160675394" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP6XN5mXeLjmVN9m-NCRvSoUTOn-LNFqMVgLZxOsgelylU-qpd-fQkV4nxbzu3Lir0vtMU4QgK5eVKT96qUgxwHVRL4qIJGhnU1Q60kc0yYArMVX2FYhEIeJSR1GRDY_G0lJUPW_aLZU/s400/P1010117.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><div><div>The entrance to the ruins is a bit confusing. There is a ticket office but no signs. We were surprised at the $15 US entrance fee for the ruins, $15 US to enter the tunnels, and $7 US for the museum per person. Somehow we found ourselves inside the ruins without tickets to the tunnels. If you didn’t pay to enter the tunnels before entering the site, you blew it. They don’t sell them at the tunnel entrances, and if you exit the park to purchase them you pay another $15 to re-enter. Copán is not as user friendly as the other ruins we visited.<br /><br />After entering at the highly armed guard gate, we walked through the park to arrive at the Grand Plaza. Noticeable are the numerous stelae standing tall on the manicured lawn. The stelae portray the rulers of Copán and were all originally painted. Only Stele C has remnants of the red paint. Several of the sculptures represent Uaxaklajún Ubah K’awil (18 Rabbit). Some have figures on both sides, and all of them are covered in glyphs. </div><br /><div></div><div>Red paint evident on Stele C in the Grand Plaza.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmjx7SRtbHSw4QoVVAI-0TjgUTpFwQyudHoplVpUjTPxi3fiB-KuhYiNfS5g9cdLldXWb4g_jJvTuVbf-2kvFIozTeFvnwHVdheCU-C8rwfoczLRQ110SAbmIjEvGv1KXZh-F4vyhwEw/s1600-h/P1010009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242343735387458" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmjx7SRtbHSw4QoVVAI-0TjgUTpFwQyudHoplVpUjTPxi3fiB-KuhYiNfS5g9cdLldXWb4g_jJvTuVbf-2kvFIozTeFvnwHVdheCU-C8rwfoczLRQ110SAbmIjEvGv1KXZh-F4vyhwEw/s400/P1010009.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>King Uaxaclajún Ubah K'awil (18 Rabbit) is represented in several stelae.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6EmD1Tfn_TbN21LjLzZfPTU9aR537T5qaS1Blrv4onXkGkK6UCqmcbi-f44dllNoEjRw1p5nZi7m8DKfwl5EMJ4HAxjtFiXzKsM12GyKPj-7b0qG774D7B69XyG6xANuc89Xgmk3dFU/s1600-h/P1010004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242343212660930" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6EmD1Tfn_TbN21LjLzZfPTU9aR537T5qaS1Blrv4onXkGkK6UCqmcbi-f44dllNoEjRw1p5nZi7m8DKfwl5EMJ4HAxjtFiXzKsM12GyKPj-7b0qG774D7B69XyG6xANuc89Xgmk3dFU/s400/P1010004.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Moving on to the Acropolis, we see Copán’s most famous feature, the hieroglyphic staircase. The 63 step, 80 ft. high steps lead to the Temple of the Inscriptions. The steps are comprised of several thousand glyphs creating a genealogical tree of the HISTORY OF THE ROYAL HOUSE OF COPÁN.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Heiroglyphic staircase .</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQupvylOTaNnwnKrAgaWftx7iiZAWWeIYFuQWuCstRcWZbd2uAvPhyphenhyphenRTIwB1yjM0FbdqTVvzPshJAFjXWnD-yMxkV4tRRuY15LkHo0meUcYy3ykDPY-9A_rG3jNJTkw_9VxoPj0aeS6r8/s1600-h/P1010035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337249649626718930" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQupvylOTaNnwnKrAgaWftx7iiZAWWeIYFuQWuCstRcWZbd2uAvPhyphenhyphenRTIwB1yjM0FbdqTVvzPshJAFjXWnD-yMxkV4tRRuY15LkHo0meUcYy3ykDPY-9A_rG3jNJTkw_9VxoPj0aeS6r8/s400/P1010035.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvtauZ43os48rTrZ-9YDyClQivb0ZeA3ENeDaexiPHjon5CD0FffgK20SdZS1iMwBC1-0IMHYI-wU-lSMmXVpfLoOXyae1E2hTtmSH3ZXeOglWjkwhngj4idfss_1JtlIfIS1WhNYbc/s1600-h/P1010033.JPG"></a></div><br /><div>At the bottom of the stairs is a stele of King Smoke Shell. (He sounds like fun!) This is the longest text carved into stone by the Maya, but there are large gaps in the history due to the crumbling of the temple over time. The staircase is now protected by a roof, limiting visibility and photo opportunities. In the same courtyard is Altar Q. The carvings all around its sides represent 16 kings of Copán. Macaws and jaguars were the favorite sacrifice offered to please the gods. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Acropolis photos.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNg-5sHhOM6_h3mQHa734d5dxlfoyKHPd7TUt4kTsbsAGyX8W6MmO3SWp1S1PG4ox3KCCRC6qqjY_sxWFiZhjQAqmCdvL9T-YQFCiCCvGu4dPkjb1165UyGI2ardHjpyi1B8sXHCSqgg/s1600-h/P1010049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337248222375804434" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNg-5sHhOM6_h3mQHa734d5dxlfoyKHPd7TUt4kTsbsAGyX8W6MmO3SWp1S1PG4ox3KCCRC6qqjY_sxWFiZhjQAqmCdvL9T-YQFCiCCvGu4dPkjb1165UyGI2ardHjpyi1B8sXHCSqgg/s400/P1010049.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /> </div><div>People with tickets going into tunnel Los Jaguares, and headed OUT of the park!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rERsxVGddc2QEHqvSn89yY_FFWxckWdOITu0ekRopYtpjH_ycQJcctOZ2f1dYHFQUO9n6D-RV43ActKN2wlzeffYENLSak07CZlQZA4sfOnTfJPdP5sU6X-mI9l0OHXTSPznQnELYOw/s1600-h/P1010050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337249659680745730" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rERsxVGddc2QEHqvSn89yY_FFWxckWdOITu0ekRopYtpjH_ycQJcctOZ2f1dYHFQUO9n6D-RV43ActKN2wlzeffYENLSak07CZlQZA4sfOnTfJPdP5sU6X-mI9l0OHXTSPznQnELYOw/s400/P1010050.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>There are many tunnels in Copán, but only two of them were opened to the public in 1999. One is a short walk leading to the flagrantly red Rosa Lila Temple, showing part of it completely intact underneath newer constructions. A life size replica of Rosa Lila, or Temple of the Sun, is on display in the museum on site. The original temple was discovered in 1989. According to its glyphs, it was originally dedicated in 571 AD. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Rosa Lila Temple replica in the museum open to sun and sky.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQzXvXWkeIJ0E5BHrJFSPqGDHMAUyby8pyNnNlS5i4mk8xfNKOjCbvA3YC6m1KePepiyKJ93vhqWmE8z78CYAC5AH85AX-O3C-C7w5U-lU0WSXXmNtmdtKWe7aXg88E__m394yUEJPww/s1600-h/P1010132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337248218471379730" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQzXvXWkeIJ0E5BHrJFSPqGDHMAUyby8pyNnNlS5i4mk8xfNKOjCbvA3YC6m1KePepiyKJ93vhqWmE8z78CYAC5AH85AX-O3C-C7w5U-lU0WSXXmNtmdtKWe7aXg88E__m394yUEJPww/s400/P1010132.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>People with tickets entering Rosa Lila tunnel.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74M1G7imIfQFqI90suCeTnNkX5OEtZVStEbMA9dlAskzEUoCAUYbYtLGbcXLRkwnSU_s0_TOImn-_5DVdxiRgHDmlFA785kmwDEl9RuwJ-T8QDjz7WkKCbdHgk8kh4zTBeBOuZg1cU8w/s1600-h/P1010046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337249653321687618" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74M1G7imIfQFqI90suCeTnNkX5OEtZVStEbMA9dlAskzEUoCAUYbYtLGbcXLRkwnSU_s0_TOImn-_5DVdxiRgHDmlFA785kmwDEl9RuwJ-T8QDjz7WkKCbdHgk8kh4zTBeBOuZg1cU8w/s400/P1010046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The other tunnel used to be 700 meters long. It was reduced to 80 meters when opened to visitors. There is a catch-22 involved in visiting tunnel Los Jaguares. If you enter it, it leads you out of the park. If you want to re-enter, you guessed it, you have to pay fifteen more bucks!<br /><br />Copan’s ball court is the third one built in that location. The two smaller courts are buried underneath. The ball court we see is the second largest in Central America and is unique with its hoops shaped like macaws’ heads. It was dedicated in 731 AD. They say this game was played by participants moving a hard rubber ball through the air (and hoops) without using their hands. The prize for winning may have involved a trip to the altar – as a sacrifice! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The heiroglyphic staircase, the ball court, and the scenery of Copán.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXGKL1eIvHIstSFj2zCwMxgBkuEVvgpuyBF9yqn87MOqEq9xgEx_XPGGh1l_rHtbhhGy07KZtAAEKKsbHdpF49ooSlEOkE-9OHsulmEH62uPb31anOPaQcCyzmmeOc9nPzHpvkBe1Tg0/s1600-h/P1010091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337252432798155730" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXGKL1eIvHIstSFj2zCwMxgBkuEVvgpuyBF9yqn87MOqEq9xgEx_XPGGh1l_rHtbhhGy07KZtAAEKKsbHdpF49ooSlEOkE-9OHsulmEH62uPb31anOPaQcCyzmmeOc9nPzHpvkBe1Tg0/s400/P1010091.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The ball court with macaw headed hoops.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvtauZ43os48rTrZ-9YDyClQivb0ZeA3ENeDaexiPHjon5CD0FffgK20SdZS1iMwBC1-0IMHYI-wU-lSMmXVpfLoOXyae1E2hTtmSH3ZXeOglWjkwhngj4idfss_1JtlIfIS1WhNYbc/s1600-h/P1010033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242350037856178" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvtauZ43os48rTrZ-9YDyClQivb0ZeA3ENeDaexiPHjon5CD0FffgK20SdZS1iMwBC1-0IMHYI-wU-lSMmXVpfLoOXyae1E2hTtmSH3ZXeOglWjkwhngj4idfss_1JtlIfIS1WhNYbc/s400/P1010033.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>Historians think the 20,000 residents put a strain on the valley’s agricultural resources by 900 AD, and the ensuing deforestation caused flooding, so the people moved on. By 1200 AD Copán was completely reclaimed by the jungle. On January 1, 2005, 1500 Chorti Maya, descendants of the original builders, occupied the ruins and closed them from visitation for five days as they protested for human rights to the indigenous people. The living conditions for the 8,000 Chorti living there now are still stark and difficult, and the issue of government subsidies is still an unresolved problem. Maybe that explains the somewhat hostile vibes we felt from the locals at the ruins and in the town of Copán Ruinas. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The entrance to the museum is a snake's mouth. Inside you wind around its innards until you reach the open and sunny museum. The museum is new and beautiful inside.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaJI-6nbWFF541qUZ3MVBgmVJ2m-cNM_CLTS0kWdA3ft9EOobhzzXYgwKFJgNVQ5IDYJijd9qEeDwspdnwJT0Zy-rIk60FY0-oebAsSQ7ZUymiwhV333CKTyGlbtjohMUrXYqv8U-n0Q/s1600-h/P1010125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337248226416327602" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaJI-6nbWFF541qUZ3MVBgmVJ2m-cNM_CLTS0kWdA3ft9EOobhzzXYgwKFJgNVQ5IDYJijd9qEeDwspdnwJT0Zy-rIk60FY0-oebAsSQ7ZUymiwhV333CKTyGlbtjohMUrXYqv8U-n0Q/s400/P1010125.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>In town we found a busy family hostel with reasonable rates after a lengthy inquiry of available lodging. Pablo and I were traveling together, and if I asked the price of a room they looked at my blonde hair and blue eyes and promptly responded $50 US. Finally I waited in the park and Pablo found us a decent room for $25 US. The monetary unit of Honduras is the lempira, but if I’m not mistaken the tourist business operators all had bright green dollar signs in their eyes.<br /><br />We loved the ruins, but the hostile environment felt like a heavy cloud hanging over the beautiful valley that is Copán.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQtDsZzyjo0RCV62duQJaPcRt1kqtmy-4hd5Z_CaET_Ux8YzF0klpzDIePB4EfW7yY9W1QRGyu2wuHZCQsLr7Z051EaLqn5SpqbxWJ3QV7xg9q3STo_EKofqAWMQEJ9OvxLmkR496qXA/s1600-h/P1010080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337249657301246770" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQtDsZzyjo0RCV62duQJaPcRt1kqtmy-4hd5Z_CaET_Ux8YzF0klpzDIePB4EfW7yY9W1QRGyu2wuHZCQsLr7Z051EaLqn5SpqbxWJ3QV7xg9q3STo_EKofqAWMQEJ9OvxLmkR496qXA/s400/P1010080.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pablo drawing the scene as we sit admiring the ancient man sculpture<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgWvV8GrXugEbNt3BXld74gLES3V_jO5t-P-hefFxi11ZIA4lbSt_esQSWbJAkspK-CckaZSndxN1_tMKk_wh4Njc5D3owIjBbQ_iAkeE_saCDD4I0eJHSH138D4muWH4hKcm6lu4vGI/s1600-h/P1010092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337248220148774914" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgWvV8GrXugEbNt3BXld74gLES3V_jO5t-P-hefFxi11ZIA4lbSt_esQSWbJAkspK-CckaZSndxN1_tMKk_wh4Njc5D3owIjBbQ_iAkeE_saCDD4I0eJHSH138D4muWH4hKcm6lu4vGI/s400/P1010092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br />This looks like the work of King Smoke Shell, all smiley, but it's just a guess.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75rLG2B4gllqQ474wFT7DbFzXsxXJx0U5hWm34IYySCzk60t_7taKlO3gZV9FRCrugSxT0psDB2ThC2eGUMa_j9h8O41Ee-hhZFdjMGDdFeevy3jKQF7JO4yA3Q9Cz6unIU2kluAWABo/s1600-h/P1010074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337248215755808114" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75rLG2B4gllqQ474wFT7DbFzXsxXJx0U5hWm34IYySCzk60t_7taKlO3gZV9FRCrugSxT0psDB2ThC2eGUMa_j9h8O41Ee-hhZFdjMGDdFeevy3jKQF7JO4yA3Q9Cz6unIU2kluAWABo/s400/P1010074.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Fearsome representation of the rain god Chak as a sacrificial altar.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUned-tTAAnrOk_tgsAna4UyY-cYg8zB85cTnayxwBaZncSjeezgVOXLR17pgOR5B9Y5zBvLLCTGHkb9DnyURnjEi98CgOoekZqBWICntToiigNCqMLFMz_dsrFW7tpP9i27cgKE9fdcE/s1600-h/P1010013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242341358900930" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUned-tTAAnrOk_tgsAna4UyY-cYg8zB85cTnayxwBaZncSjeezgVOXLR17pgOR5B9Y5zBvLLCTGHkb9DnyURnjEi98CgOoekZqBWICntToiigNCqMLFMz_dsrFW7tpP9i27cgKE9fdcE/s400/P1010013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-10083753004318152922009-05-16T13:11:00.015-05:002009-05-17T12:42:38.354-05:00Tikal Ruins, GuatemalaTikal is my favorite of all the Mayan ruins I have visited to date. It is set in the sub-tropical jungle in the highlands of Guatemala’s northeastern section. The Parque Nacional Tikal covers 550 square kilometers, and contains thousands of separate ruined structures. Tikal was an important center. It was originally settled around 700 BC, and flourished until 900 AD, the beginning of the “mysterious general collapse of lowland Mayan civilization.” (Lonely Planet Guide to Guatemala)<br /><br />There is an abundance of flint in the hills of the Petén area of Guatemala. They Mayans used flints for their tools and weapons. It is said 100,000 people lived here in its peak times. It has only been partially restored, and the process continues. They were working on the tallest temple in North America (pre skyscrapers, that is), Temple IV, during our visit last summer. They had built scaffolding on the top of the 212 ft. temple and were climbing up, over and around us barefooted, moving heavy rocks, while we sat looking out at the spectacular view. Pablo drew the vista (below).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCfpNkfl5CptQZpx3_iKlKO2r08110Z_F40dhckaZEmpTYIcdlX0OlQXDnNg0d2vJSxSnJ93kThy-LV8yhJA1xIvUbCScW1P6iaL0g0eBzg7N7XmeQWcwFHZop30JeSv0YJCQNyhwzz4/s1600-h/16may09piscina+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336821817277834706" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCfpNkfl5CptQZpx3_iKlKO2r08110Z_F40dhckaZEmpTYIcdlX0OlQXDnNg0d2vJSxSnJ93kThy-LV8yhJA1xIvUbCScW1P6iaL0g0eBzg7N7XmeQWcwFHZop30JeSv0YJCQNyhwzz4/s400/16may09piscina+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The view from atop Temple IV, Tikal.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjEC0Sz7XXa_SNNTjvijMXd9aFdls33y666aarAAo3ktCyWNbWwxnpg81YMPN7vcogYAY-oHBUC8sXFyEQMfHK0wqiQWemhJxc962UQhHEfBCprn54AjANZgP5mMGoHDzlyoBCTnrMDs/s1600-h/P1010123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336786862067323906" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjEC0Sz7XXa_SNNTjvijMXd9aFdls33y666aarAAo3ktCyWNbWwxnpg81YMPN7vcogYAY-oHBUC8sXFyEQMfHK0wqiQWemhJxc962UQhHEfBCprn54AjANZgP5mMGoHDzlyoBCTnrMDs/s400/P1010123.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was eavesdropping on the tourists who arrived huffing and puffing at the top, after the seemingly endless climb up the temporary makeshift stairs. I also enjoyed breathing in the clean rainforest scented breezes and looking out pensively at the top of the jungle canopy below. We sat there for over two hours. It was so serene. It was so thought-provoking. Trying to understand the history of this complex people is a constant challenge to me. I love a place like Tikal, where a person gets a real feel for the way life may have been. It is evident how temples were built over older temples, so I can get an idea of the timelines.<br /><br />This is the campsite inside the park.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM6YZvC2FLk52hEEUwlt-jZFaXpooG5B8TG4ErE4HK1_Ir_Qo8WuIk7ZalqO8OJuAEm3mrO3lanuRW5NBh1P47WJ_0PVnK3cRod5sKipw8Sg8PpuwsM-q7V41Kj3IeEY8L75CBxMLhio/s1600-h/P1010026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336517968116171218" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM6YZvC2FLk52hEEUwlt-jZFaXpooG5B8TG4ErE4HK1_Ir_Qo8WuIk7ZalqO8OJuAEm3mrO3lanuRW5NBh1P47WJ_0PVnK3cRod5sKipw8Sg8PpuwsM-q7V41Kj3IeEY8L75CBxMLhio/s400/P1010026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The palapa in the far corner shows our hammocks and mosquito nets. We camped out here for three days. There are three little restaurants within walking distance, where the food was reasonable and surprisingly good. Inside the park grounds are three small hotels, but they cost around $100 US per night. We were on a backpackers' budget, and frankly, we loved sleeping outdoors at the ruins. We saw lots of birds and wild animals, including howler monkeys swinging across the canopy next to us. Listening to howler monkeys is one of life's eye-widening events. They sound like lions, tigers, and bears. It is fascinating.<br /><br />The jungle path into and through the park.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVEApqk_Ckh5bRYjPBG5_qh7x7sjJPsRcfoGcRGPnxOhmp0NGnQVnLVfslhxqck65kC8J1dDQ708nFPc3GYs7DBpAV5RrduhDVtxWou8UmCAzR8FbY7S5lzApsPSZuFMryL9WhAB5650/s1600-h/P1010060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336517962603138194" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVEApqk_Ckh5bRYjPBG5_qh7x7sjJPsRcfoGcRGPnxOhmp0NGnQVnLVfslhxqck65kC8J1dDQ708nFPc3GYs7DBpAV5RrduhDVtxWou8UmCAzR8FbY7S5lzApsPSZuFMryL9WhAB5650/s400/P1010060.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The back side of one of the main temples in the Acropolis.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9tqukbbIe67KTzdOvFEMMljBp16uvrxU6IeViOh56hXnip5Kf_ROUcGmrGs2cIo-e9n4fZV7K2mHdOUQUAPLNgVITDk8tKls8R1u-oRZ10-PhnXGelSmZYxEdfnQFJ32bbFhRLEDqAk/s1600-h/P1010093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336517962229316274" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9tqukbbIe67KTzdOvFEMMljBp16uvrxU6IeViOh56hXnip5Kf_ROUcGmrGs2cIo-e9n4fZV7K2mHdOUQUAPLNgVITDk8tKls8R1u-oRZ10-PhnXGelSmZYxEdfnQFJ32bbFhRLEDqAk/s400/P1010093.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The towering la ceiba tree is sacred. It symbolized the world-tree which unites the surface of the earth with nine levels of the underworld of Xibalbá.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquL8J7ZKmoLbXrzTpTdUUtq7Yys4pGcL-23jr68MPTv4-m3tHlzIYPJOzH7Ax-Yms5z6_dADarUAgg_gwZrTej5hJzbNhGrI5_zlW-NRsBcWBwzIuve14rhfW48BF3bAqidN2K-Lv7nw/s1600-h/P1010094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336517968677752658" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquL8J7ZKmoLbXrzTpTdUUtq7Yys4pGcL-23jr68MPTv4-m3tHlzIYPJOzH7Ax-Yms5z6_dADarUAgg_gwZrTej5hJzbNhGrI5_zlW-NRsBcWBwzIuve14rhfW48BF3bAqidN2K-Lv7nw/s400/P1010094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Map of the main groups of buildings found at Tikal.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPXh6-tRVf7A3SGzBwSmhjoH9HwxG49HhEDFRZKD-75jUDlJI0qRGrOAuUlOhvKzPbatsseqW9f5i3xukGQrTZ1U3tHEtlicgVzp2AUc3Cs9CVzDTWOwqqLAxGDpO3EtbMu8sXS4SaEk/s1600-h/guat.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336486509487538898" style="WIDTH: 412px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPXh6-tRVf7A3SGzBwSmhjoH9HwxG49HhEDFRZKD-75jUDlJI0qRGrOAuUlOhvKzPbatsseqW9f5i3xukGQrTZ1U3tHEtlicgVzp2AUc3Cs9CVzDTWOwqqLAxGDpO3EtbMu8sXS4SaEk/s400/guat.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">© 1997-2003 Studio360 Inc.-</span><a href="http://www.destination360.com/" target="_new"><span style="font-size:78%;">Destination360</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> All rights reserved.</span><br /><br />The ball court.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9j7VUx7AA2s0xyvq_T_Gr3hAlRLKkFAZ1LeZjwNGfl8Y2fTB8G3iKjpTK11SKVnjw3_6GkZrD64Hy-sgOHuUEO2nNHzG_D3pBMNFFN0fTLDemHRcDgCYfS2rZRyvVwTA1Av6AX9cePc/s1600-h/P1010046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336520087511971378" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9j7VUx7AA2s0xyvq_T_Gr3hAlRLKkFAZ1LeZjwNGfl8Y2fTB8G3iKjpTK11SKVnjw3_6GkZrD64Hy-sgOHuUEO2nNHzG_D3pBMNFFN0fTLDemHRcDgCYfS2rZRyvVwTA1Av6AX9cePc/s400/P1010046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Petén style architecture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl6JX4P03W_2CC5b97eg_eRcWIhGi-8pTwuV06xC62are9CsgjgPUEI1BoF8nozfYwuPhua6j4LBjxiIJ5kbjoIooYJyhxCsCHyG-DCVcJkv94GCCrvPMONTqjuQBzCsEQVUKHKRgpN4/s1600-h/P1010031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336517971394778994" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl6JX4P03W_2CC5b97eg_eRcWIhGi-8pTwuV06xC62are9CsgjgPUEI1BoF8nozfYwuPhua6j4LBjxiIJ5kbjoIooYJyhxCsCHyG-DCVcJkv94GCCrvPMONTqjuQBzCsEQVUKHKRgpN4/s400/P1010031.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />Buildings in the Gran Plaza.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4HZbp1xR_MMlhWUXqpzSRxDMAxBejrkKZWUhJCTueEGRAeztbiXA4hkj8WKwFULbG1_VNr3BbgY5feg8w_2HeyNDShOmn_7IkbLvysV7MxCMAA6bjqC4ZqJX3bYwTRKLzTqUpXHP49c/s1600-h/P1010042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336518892199846866" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4HZbp1xR_MMlhWUXqpzSRxDMAxBejrkKZWUhJCTueEGRAeztbiXA4hkj8WKwFULbG1_VNr3BbgY5feg8w_2HeyNDShOmn_7IkbLvysV7MxCMAA6bjqC4ZqJX3bYwTRKLzTqUpXHP49c/s400/P1010042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Stela are protected by palapas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDfJ0hMTicQhMewEmgqPr6GBI1J_mTRJJwDGStjPZoyfGynpvO9Ghb5AUzKZWiTpxniv_3_-MMAIQARyseMwBD4Lxo984g_aWD-bff5LSHo_EWdgeWgs7O_wSyUpvwKiSSA3SU4PHKss/s1600-h/P1010035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336518886907559618" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDfJ0hMTicQhMewEmgqPr6GBI1J_mTRJJwDGStjPZoyfGynpvO9Ghb5AUzKZWiTpxniv_3_-MMAIQARyseMwBD4Lxo984g_aWD-bff5LSHo_EWdgeWgs7O_wSyUpvwKiSSA3SU4PHKss/s400/P1010035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Walking through this area we saw toucans and parrots flying overhead, oscillated turkeys pecking around the grass, a snake crossed our path, spider monkeys swung through the trees, and we heard and watched several howler monkeys. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplWFLTUFvMRHv1o4u-85ttJ8-WdbemSd3D_s8zkXaZ2RsW10tcQgheFJc1dRTEYNU9Bf9ZmgQPGRD0Vf9SkSsoEWlSlGCSp3iYkvOjeE4IoRhBjJ-dyr6o8wwjDLo3gm8JG3Cz9oJur4/s1600-h/P1010053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336518888257068306" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplWFLTUFvMRHv1o4u-85ttJ8-WdbemSd3D_s8zkXaZ2RsW10tcQgheFJc1dRTEYNU9Bf9ZmgQPGRD0Vf9SkSsoEWlSlGCSp3iYkvOjeE4IoRhBjJ-dyr6o8wwjDLo3gm8JG3Cz9oJur4/s400/P1010053.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />Looking down from atop one of the temples.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnHSCGlJFDQ_xfc6t8T47VSkTbuwRlAR09R6J7unPYzG0hkB8i9T7PNM6GgpfiR_GCdzXNWWFWn3oBTaO9Gi4XusaKZmt0JK31XkdsEfwM441uWbMxFjwBaRYDcyh_eWKhAd7jt4QWV4/s1600-h/P1010050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336518893473597122" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnHSCGlJFDQ_xfc6t8T47VSkTbuwRlAR09R6J7unPYzG0hkB8i9T7PNM6GgpfiR_GCdzXNWWFWn3oBTaO9Gi4XusaKZmt0JK31XkdsEfwM441uWbMxFjwBaRYDcyh_eWKhAd7jt4QWV4/s400/P1010050.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are many noticeable structures that have been only partially restored.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iHkGiZgk6YNQfEqfVwjL4Z2O74jSMoxs68LCvUscUQBGw7J5DE4mpFjdnvGsNdpoqFaFPoGvkVDh_zXulLgAFxmn2zA_VL9zBU0wKb_8l9eh0lJeIPRv8fTGx_gbhqfWHMoxaeok3dY/s1600-h/P1010072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336520085870979250" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iHkGiZgk6YNQfEqfVwjL4Z2O74jSMoxs68LCvUscUQBGw7J5DE4mpFjdnvGsNdpoqFaFPoGvkVDh_zXulLgAFxmn2zA_VL9zBU0wKb_8l9eh0lJeIPRv8fTGx_gbhqfWHMoxaeok3dY/s400/P1010072.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><div>At one crossroads on the path, we saw hundreds of coatimundi.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClZx2gL_alZ0ZaBSttcjpin1M_kiYcgsxAYVfDNzU5Gc9PsSWxou_0rvU65pD_1myulaLqGERb2onIJGoAQxFroWk2hKZ4J5-FmGMEAletXyt3pqrR7VrAkAiZeFbOBL3XrOW9H-SkKo/s1600-h/P1010107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336520090550900370" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClZx2gL_alZ0ZaBSttcjpin1M_kiYcgsxAYVfDNzU5Gc9PsSWxou_0rvU65pD_1myulaLqGERb2onIJGoAQxFroWk2hKZ4J5-FmGMEAletXyt3pqrR7VrAkAiZeFbOBL3XrOW9H-SkKo/s400/P1010107.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Taking it all in.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlhZhbcMAsGVjPmTBRRlQ6I9VQ59_sVaQTGXgdtY5pHafWiTlj35twwyrDxkw-2QHwH6NuOZgW8m1IQTNpAkvn2Ul3QJ9nE9Yf0Kts15NhaDBlsvb2Ec34sCyWCSMUF36T5aA99iya88/s1600-h/P1010032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336518883935553186" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlhZhbcMAsGVjPmTBRRlQ6I9VQ59_sVaQTGXgdtY5pHafWiTlj35twwyrDxkw-2QHwH6NuOZgW8m1IQTNpAkvn2Ul3QJ9nE9Yf0Kts15NhaDBlsvb2Ec34sCyWCSMUF36T5aA99iya88/s400/P1010032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />El Mundo Perdido - The Lost World. The oldest structures from Preclassic times.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBkfg6F_5hJWUd5Z2uZPlmlUtKmfn6TlIYU1jSV45MZ1ss8O5-Hqal__CTGC8dM20pmDmGzKjLtAecKhWFFLrRFa_TNrqeMfHD1fvlBw7lxVvFC_epBxDr5XkvYlew3Ci5bhPUtWLDls/s1600-h/P1010073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336520087901918866" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBkfg6F_5hJWUd5Z2uZPlmlUtKmfn6TlIYU1jSV45MZ1ss8O5-Hqal__CTGC8dM20pmDmGzKjLtAecKhWFFLrRFa_TNrqeMfHD1fvlBw7lxVvFC_epBxDr5XkvYlew3Ci5bhPUtWLDls/s400/P1010073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On top of the world!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtklYMA2N3etjQqL-6etf8a-NWk6F1-WC19nJC4QsZ3rJ7Q0_x4hopxyddsNUsNrufj3L7CpuNQDrfOT4cjbHQszOfLbh_O8BvVzo0cOJleuBr4QxXFMOhyphenhyphenAm6NfMa1PViTi-3KMdtnY/s1600-h/P1010097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336520089083557266" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtklYMA2N3etjQqL-6etf8a-NWk6F1-WC19nJC4QsZ3rJ7Q0_x4hopxyddsNUsNrufj3L7CpuNQDrfOT4cjbHQszOfLbh_O8BvVzo0cOJleuBr4QxXFMOhyphenhyphenAm6NfMa1PViTi-3KMdtnY/s400/P1010097.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-31558880544326350742009-03-24T19:26:00.007-06:002009-05-15T15:13:46.949-05:00Dzibilchaltún Revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1npcYgbxb3vqt2CMURzrYY3I-rnl-IfpYf7jxbC5vBkFqri05p0gyM9uc4hdOR-G-QiqqAlxeyGRJc_Ygc5Mq5Z0AHDhy3I_UKOSd3sqGVcAQfNyG6b9skob_yvdB4QqpIcGLrI2SHg/s1600-h/terrchichdzil032109+062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316933262316385330" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1npcYgbxb3vqt2CMURzrYY3I-rnl-IfpYf7jxbC5vBkFqri05p0gyM9uc4hdOR-G-QiqqAlxeyGRJc_Ygc5Mq5Z0AHDhy3I_UKOSd3sqGVcAQfNyG6b9skob_yvdB4QqpIcGLrI2SHg/s400/terrchichdzil032109+062.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Temple of the Seven Dolls or <em>La Casa de las Siete Muñecas</em> is named for the seven figurines found here during its excavation. The platform or base of this temple is one of the oldest known conserved structures in the Yucatán. The roofs and walls of this and the other pre-classic buildings on site were made of uncut rocks, with a clay or mud mortar. Post-classic constructions, as evidenced in the temple on top, were cut rocks held together with a lime based cement.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId3GFZLhD9c_8pk450_d8cQtT0wKV_3linNRGD8sYGXjLUTBTVJ41QPfuEWm339RIJjjnwupfUbhGU0L7yly-tMHNkxh-rKssKQCpee8JAXFhKTqlai_ESGEn-3WbqSM5TZ09PUid2dg/s1600-h/dzibilchaltun8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316945632332360690" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId3GFZLhD9c_8pk450_d8cQtT0wKV_3linNRGD8sYGXjLUTBTVJ41QPfuEWm339RIJjjnwupfUbhGU0L7yly-tMHNkxh-rKssKQCpee8JAXFhKTqlai_ESGEn-3WbqSM5TZ09PUid2dg/s400/dzibilchaltun8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is the doorway that we were looking into on the morning of the equinox. There is another room inside the area I am standing in. All the doors and windows are aligned to face cardinal points and their orientation coincides with light and shade associated with solstices and equinoxes.<br /><br />The first set of ruins you see behind me is part of the Group of the Seven Dolls. On the morning of the equinox the sun shone through the door and lit up a perfect golden square against its wall.<br /><br />Another great aspect of the above photo is the view of a typical sacbé, or causeway, found at most Mayan ruins. Some of these causeways connect the cities themselves and have existed for centuries. There are usually causeways within the cities and ceremonial centers also.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1aXu5COdC4alfPNlOfDi_uT5R4Bb0h0zdkUnZUk9Xx0ExhC0hPyH96nww-0QtqJSS3uEZINOkzm_4WQimPy5qRavYzr1u2IPWD6JmyVB5L0UH-XMGRmK8gt3tv0tKqekfWW_ZyQyjEY/s1600-h/dzibilchaltun9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316945636821341954" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1aXu5COdC4alfPNlOfDi_uT5R4Bb0h0zdkUnZUk9Xx0ExhC0hPyH96nww-0QtqJSS3uEZINOkzm_4WQimPy5qRavYzr1u2IPWD6JmyVB5L0UH-XMGRmK8gt3tv0tKqekfWW_ZyQyjEY/s400/dzibilchaltun9.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is believed that the Temple of the Seven Dolls was never used as a residence, but instead artisans worked inside creating among other things offerings required for ritualsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-2597111959919436092008-12-09T08:08:00.007-06:002009-05-15T15:12:57.157-05:00Xcambo<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_HrAxd1Rl6Lthnec7MnJRwKp8xcsNKoXIQsraRPtKcCg9FGR8DgMf-Vt11zHBjh9AFBTWukDZsmclOMyZFmuaYg5pt4puzn5efh1IWOHoQ9SmF2txLy6YbmthRkPOX9hzVLGIm3dwjU/s1600-h/9dec08xcambo+050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277891436820910130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_HrAxd1Rl6Lthnec7MnJRwKp8xcsNKoXIQsraRPtKcCg9FGR8DgMf-Vt11zHBjh9AFBTWukDZsmclOMyZFmuaYg5pt4puzn5efh1IWOHoQ9SmF2txLy6YbmthRkPOX9hzVLGIm3dwjU/s400/9dec08xcambo+050.JPG" border="0" /></a> La cienega, or marshland, on the side of the road to Xcambo.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnu12r-S5LSLFHSfojOtLTlHkZaM4s8e1oJJigoZsNY1q2dM82fhxkxbt_QQCpt8CIhgIEqQkr23zq3N-oI3DGir4T8kpQ9neaCDkhuPnvorQ7_GkCKAbut0vATNUPQSfsRXs1zMjJyA/s1600-h/9dec08xcambo+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277891411182218626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnu12r-S5LSLFHSfojOtLTlHkZaM4s8e1oJJigoZsNY1q2dM82fhxkxbt_QQCpt8CIhgIEqQkr23zq3N-oI3DGir4T8kpQ9neaCDkhuPnvorQ7_GkCKAbut0vATNUPQSfsRXs1zMjJyA/s400/9dec08xcambo+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> View of the Temple of the Cross, the ball court, chapel and guest booth.<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div align="left">Friday, December 5, 2008, Pablo and I felt like hiking around some ruins AND heading seaside for some fresh mariscos. Neither of us had been to Xcambo, and it is only 63 km. away. Although Tulum is said to be the only seaside Mayan ruin, Xcambo is only two kilometers from the Gulf Coast, and conveniently located for our half day excursion. </div><div align="left"><br />From Mérida we drove toward Progreso and followed the coast road east toward Telchac Puerto. After 20 kilometers, more or less, we saw the turnoff for Xcambo. The road is paved and in good condition. To our left were salt flats and on the right was marshland where bright pink flamingos, white storks, and gray herons were feeding in the reddened water. The ruin site was a pleasant surprise. There was a caretaker in a palapa monitoring the guest register, but there was no entrance fee. </div><div align="left"><br />Xcambo is a thought provoking site. The site was only excavated within the past ten years, and is still under reconstruction. The name Xcambo means either “Lugar de la donacella” (Place of virginity/maidenhood) or “Lugar de la luna menguante” (Place of the decreasing or ebbing moon). Its name has been spelled Xcambo and Xtambo. Spelling in Mayan is often inconsistent since it was a spoken language. Its writing was in hieroglyphics. Depending on who did the translating affected the final spelling of many of the places with Mayan names. </div><div align="left"><br />This was an important salt and saltfish trading post during Xcambo’s longest period of occupation, from 300 – 600 AD. It is thought 6,000 people lived in the surrounding areas. In 2001, 600 skeletal remains were found at the site. According to archeologists, the skeletons revealed a community relatively free of disease. Also found at Xcambo were several artifacts from Guatemala and Belize, leading experts to believe this was an important trading area. </div><div align="left"><br />There are two tall temples sitting at the north and south positions of the acropolis. The view of the shoreline from atop the pyramids is impressive. Along the pathways there are wells, or cenotes, and stones carved into basins. Of note were several circular patterns set in stone on the ground. Most interesting was the half Mayan, half Christian chapel. It was a simple palapa roof over thick blocks of stone. The altar brought pictures to my mind of sacrifices, but they well may be of the “Body of Christ” type rather than “body of enemy”. Most of the site was built of huge square boulders, but there were some eloquent smaller rocks also patterned in, including an inverted V-shaped doorway typically seen on the Ruta Puuc. Of the residential buildings that remained, we noticed the doorways were only a meter tall. We wondered if aluxes inhabited the area. </div><div align="left"><br />We sat on top of the tallest pyramid and enjoyed the panoramic view and fresh sea breeze as we listened to the palms and pandanus swaying in the otherwise unbroken silence of Mayan spirits.</div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277891429449285842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6o6EIxW71xdXOU_NV8TlqfX-S9x8e4o84K-nNmVF-P1WJblh2KAYeEHzEx3W6-DZfgSSdFlia_zb2UCDYKMYI_sgfIRo7n5nyslrm7M_3blUgGhmiYA0j6KFf_5TZYsm8HukQaxWIAU/s400/9dec08xcambo+038.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Temple of the aluxes? See the little door in the middle?</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277892691072089906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrCUo2uNvt5_o45d5Lj_hfW_pu6_cp8FMr1GOX2544auiwb5NybmV8ZsOlOAaFbBQucvZ9RFDCPSyYYAzTGfv66xc7CWt6REaW6ellYm_URRrgQEvfYkhkcRo8EBgNCB5KUI16Ex6MLk/s400/9dec08xcambo+042.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>One of several dry cenotes.</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277892688345050402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSjW2MgQHhccOSMugVDh1CK7gK-ODl6J2f2gAd0t3Njwp3sFI0OAfu-4uXx9TaTEVumfC-6uVOBHZP7U568NwyF-GpT9gmNZxHg4DHlMYyC1VaYigVRcR48Fctvm4QuIkHuDfnSIis90/s400/9dec08xcambo+023.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The inverted V archway behind the chapel.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277889814819920866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedh4mgZ-ULyWk1B5OzW0IG2vUHyGixq6WlWHcgUUsAwhjjzEI1hccsLBPsK97xeLjzSCleeKcn5BmvXB1yBnTL4i0M4jRk7hwa_Ydbu8JD7qudNOeQAKBugYEJrj0-Iu1TY1McOJtX4g/s400/9dec08xcambo+010.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The chapel.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277889811572966450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIO-3cfgH1y6fv5yrO4GMKLPrSyvlLijjE3IWmXAKpVNWj1RK2nTSKLioSJosk996ek8YADzFMQesCqfgFzqzX2JqTwD0-z9ip-Q0XuPsLqhRcmaw5mFbH7slWM5WjJkzjOIThrnNryw/s400/9dec08xcambo+004.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The Virgin of Guadalupe honored at the altar.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277889797389398642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPAJLzIOhmRELgdXZ1eMslxI_kCgte5OSo8HyZaA_T9wYawGTmLmZsdn_jnK54mw9SqeKw98qFRggwE7ZkuakNVc4cZ-N12OKxtWtVn5Rx-pszi37ek3sMN1MwkwNDDX8tLBXk6F9Rlk/s400/9dec08xcambo+002.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The chapel catches your eye as you enter the site.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277889819488310034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONY5Fd2CLcutuzuwLw6gEouuFBZXBseoUu8Xlp7zQoBAj1SbqnvPXnLPTRQdL65rWadfSRn08GjjcnZsyL3-47YOxu9W_zxtZl_l9PNu21OgH66FL003rr1QfWsFhfhKoMkz60hHuhLU/s400/9dec08xcambo+018.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Small temple next to Temple of the Cross.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277892704754452658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsNHW6ikaKruXoOrQD5ysXl1OFP5Rjuw6x1UDx1vSm1rEUXa7iejcCAEiI9nkvBL6T8n4wC9FkBpNXPWzOJU1usvebi0cP_0dRMMjouI3xGItKZ0BQAGfFkb_xHc52vKF9Okk0_K_DO8/s400/9dec08xcambo+045.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Center circle is a cenote full of water. Carved basins hold water in the surrounding rocks.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277891453847416802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCUe5rg-IxxSeZe3yjW_ppIRwfb6Ie2W4M0v0z_KjsLxep6DSDicBPH3XlUHemsGejyH6rrD4LBvZnB5sCoC0c6HGPlRZmQ4rjtRrNq4A1NJMKyiY6lvxYhYKw5rgc_hGELgNRAYzEks/s400/9dec08xcambo+035.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Lots of these scattered around.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277891434446976194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLbU0E8qKk7PBY8xxmHCOaag9sFN_XdhTGBubA_ZkXhmGuU2x_2Ye8oRng8Px1zUF1JIWn4oONhnBbVhdx3e1EiEP08eHCyW44gNd1e2ewqQOtneIyKsaXBEtuex0tpVeBRyHWPQpBrg/s400/9dec08xcambo+040.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Circular bases also common.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277889831462771522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oR3-8igspjolMre69hyezmIyWEkMw6yA-h8GrukJAf55thK0vFKrJN1fmlUKc_8D2_Vx7Vjtve_Rodtpxj8QxWlaW1GQJe_7ORJtuf8YTOE1v_yx2gn7hwVboD63wp7yHPt-0-sjwo4/s400/9dec08xcambo+019.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The area was clean and manicured.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-59320723312652696722008-11-02T07:31:00.007-06:002009-05-15T15:11:40.423-05:00Yaxuná<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264094348171934498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4WvMtRZCyXYLOZkqy-i7XDurNA6FC2EzO24Y4CDcYc6piw35FBn6h5RDin0NlGnHGQv1ekvN_K1Y4n7EGfxpf97WIVxsFyBFr_fDc2P718JBvGcQfb6IksfZ7yOI4DgOxvWKeR8cGAI/s400/june2908+034.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Mayan woman carries tortillas on her head as she walks past the old church in the Pueblo of Yaxuná.</div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264094357329879458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvuVshoRvqSDxTfb54MnPi5QUuJenXyhNR3F6YaZ4_Q9tZhKmlSiPO2yPjl2OIyOCdGFav4GmdIqAxcPjzfuHJzP5t1kwl4eXP2LSkViCtF7jzS7NhXu8NfIQf5JLbsTpj7Q30NHpZyM/s400/june2908+037.JPG" border="0" /><br />Yaxuná (Yah-shoo-nah') in Mayan means "The turquoise colored house". The ruins are located twenty kilometers south of Chichén Itzá, Estado de Yucatán. Archeologists have discovered PreClassic era temples from 400 BC underneath the pyramids. The nomadic Mayans who again inhabited the site hundreds of years later built around and on top of the original temples. In the past twenty-five years there has been a lot of exploration of the site. It was found to be an important agricultural site and still is surrounded by corn fields and other crops.<br /><br /><br />The sacbe here, or raised causeway, is the longest known Mayan road in existence. It extends 100 kilometers leading directly to Coba. Yaxuná's temples were some of the highest and grandest pyramids of their day, built of monolithic stones. There is proof that this was a major area of inhabitation in PreClassic days.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264097880297290258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuUKWIUS31k871vpLzl72zOraV92SMRkp7MiX-zzz-AgbE-3QC1H-rppy2OKRxtogiMiYGMGgG8RSgpnVwqEnKinEPLIVu7TxPTyBB9ukLQWXbN8CMaVhnoiR2oAi2zfeRZBQGsEs0ks/s400/june2908+045.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">This is probably a PreClassic piece, as the carvings are difficult to decipher.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N8EzU7aHxRPiVSah8Q3Aaw8yILP4J84phH0m6_ENR4NNHbUmWD8mRE5cHdNBS7_2dLdUq1Y9wD73OhYqFnX7U0wy_tdX4DHrXf0fU_0B_Q0EEbwkeOWX3vDCIpiFqjE1oZQqoPNRrAI/s1600-h/june2908+051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264097887421686642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N8EzU7aHxRPiVSah8Q3Aaw8yILP4J84phH0m6_ENR4NNHbUmWD8mRE5cHdNBS7_2dLdUq1Y9wD73OhYqFnX7U0wy_tdX4DHrXf0fU_0B_Q0EEbwkeOWX3vDCIpiFqjE1oZQqoPNRrAI/s400/june2908+051.JPG" border="0" /></a> Several temples had walls of carved stones on the bottom, and the rows of columns on top. My best reference states these are consistent with the Puuc style, similar to Labna, Sayil, Edzná,Uxmal, etc. Most archeologists think these structures were built from 400-650 AD, but this is an unknown that is currently being researched. There are some gray areas in the history of the Maya, and different influences, or styles, have been noted of people from as far away as Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, as well as outside the Yucatán, México. I am reading a book about the excavations at Yaxuná but it doesn´t have any photos so I am not sure what is what. It's fun to try to imagine what these places looked like twenty-five hundred years ago or a thousand years ago, but sometimes it is just overwhelming. This is one of the things I like most about visiting all the sites, the chance to sit and try to imagine life in the past.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhyl8cUksKKmmDo3lLAwnJcZYJ_3WrbUezw9Uxcoc8ZSU5b34wU4GQOalq26zKfYwNV0Hqm96hVLuwyfZ-e-9Xn9tpfuUqKsqHB6jVzGFAF6x2H_Ew_PpasxiUAaa1LAkZIGtnMnOmsQ/s1600-h/june2908+046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264097885782982834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhyl8cUksKKmmDo3lLAwnJcZYJ_3WrbUezw9Uxcoc8ZSU5b34wU4GQOalq26zKfYwNV0Hqm96hVLuwyfZ-e-9Xn9tpfuUqKsqHB6jVzGFAF6x2H_Ew_PpasxiUAaa1LAkZIGtnMnOmsQ/s400/june2908+046.JPG" border="0" /></a> When we climbed the first pyramid, which you can see is not completely excavated or maintained, we saw a snake slither by. This made us hesitant to stray too far from the beaten path. Had we gone into the brush a little farther we would have found some of the many excavations of recent years. But after crossing the line at Palenque, we decided we were not showing enough respect to the Mayan gods and have altered our ruin exploration behavior.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnnkwoF45NCEa84uzQ-ILFi5GU-0-Eo33o4CDgNHZxAbBmmI9Lm0o4hWYR4oo8OnqXyeFkPbFJ67gM6dbEnimdPRegwdFYRbRoafcHA7ce1pctvFtCg2OfWi-71_qAUxeD95-lvqpepc/s1600-h/june2908+050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264096426435935618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnnkwoF45NCEa84uzQ-ILFi5GU-0-Eo33o4CDgNHZxAbBmmI9Lm0o4hWYR4oo8OnqXyeFkPbFJ67gM6dbEnimdPRegwdFYRbRoafcHA7ce1pctvFtCg2OfWi-71_qAUxeD95-lvqpepc/s400/june2908+050.JPG" border="0" /></a> Many of the heirogyphs have the symbol of the cross, which signifies north, south, east and west to the Maya. This symbol is often seen at the older sites.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso9ZKzAQsH03-Vj6X0ArYix6OENcuPpfHHHnbci6R2wOdslxXpCs0NuRfveFfZQzQqseP9WxSBEBo-oNO2EPYIS4fTSb2g3K1fezddQHktc-_VDrQTLJsAZAiMElQ6onp2I4DCSnB9o8/s1600-h/june2908+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264096425362532754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso9ZKzAQsH03-Vj6X0ArYix6OENcuPpfHHHnbci6R2wOdslxXpCs0NuRfveFfZQzQqseP9WxSBEBo-oNO2EPYIS4fTSb2g3K1fezddQHktc-_VDrQTLJsAZAiMElQ6onp2I4DCSnB9o8/s400/june2908+044.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is probably another temple. The area around Yaxuná is flat, so any protrusions like are sites awaiting excavation. The history that is buried in places like this will supply archeologists new and useful information in the near future. Much interest has been sparked in Mayan ruins since they named Chichén Itzá one of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World. According to the Diario del Yucatán newspaper, there are plans to continue work on this site and others that are situated around the area (like Ek Balam, where excavations were begun but not completed).<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocK9T6K30ZEvlcAfqYAH17I4VpuzixPRbt2NcvVn54LxQ_ipcqClzQh7xBVVxxXVwH7_23vm1CtrXwg9WT1hDP_4qPb-aTMqcWU2CRzzF6mlyjME57RpvumDEG45G9VNbgt5vHA21Fmo/s1600-h/june2908+047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264096418648315650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocK9T6K30ZEvlcAfqYAH17I4VpuzixPRbt2NcvVn54LxQ_ipcqClzQh7xBVVxxXVwH7_23vm1CtrXwg9WT1hDP_4qPb-aTMqcWU2CRzzF6mlyjME57RpvumDEG45G9VNbgt5vHA21Fmo/s400/june2908+047.JPG" border="0" /></a> Some of the early monolithic stones used to construct the early temples.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyjQy81WWgsThwfkHmgLQl0hFHjAoB_BBq2WTzsAWZK_ip9JnzrkoUUK-vwHDavkJ_271_e8RCQ44kml4uJkpGs0_GwRuZpzO532hO1REmoGTF_fzzgymO0gVIQF0uXGYBK7LYmpq78M/s1600-h/june2908+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264096408592174818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyjQy81WWgsThwfkHmgLQl0hFHjAoB_BBq2WTzsAWZK_ip9JnzrkoUUK-vwHDavkJ_271_e8RCQ44kml4uJkpGs0_GwRuZpzO532hO1REmoGTF_fzzgymO0gVIQF0uXGYBK7LYmpq78M/s400/june2908+042.JPG" border="0" /></a>The ball court at Yaxuná.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcV4tTh6C5-0qsL5Rylhu-BBMxTl1IO8KhkdTaIe-7XOkHoQXf36ZCaH67jpSFMY0wccVc31ZEbJABlXN44zdEt5dMSXr3t86UEwsO71uDRA_PEyuuqlUk5Lzk1ihYFGSU6PYqH9dazo/s1600-h/june2908+040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264094384097219650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcV4tTh6C5-0qsL5Rylhu-BBMxTl1IO8KhkdTaIe-7XOkHoQXf36ZCaH67jpSFMY0wccVc31ZEbJABlXN44zdEt5dMSXr3t86UEwsO71uDRA_PEyuuqlUk5Lzk1ihYFGSU6PYqH9dazo/s400/june2908+040.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>One of the tallest pyramids from the PreClassic period in evidence in the Yucatán today.<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNiey5pdGjQEE1SVMBuIW_668wb3gf2L5OGWU9E6XUVkvq53ZPg8kDX89hau5edKjBYzEGVJeyfndJe_BfDIy02F1tGEYAP6beAgDG1YBnOlbOgwDf5zsSG-s63XFeZ4G6MEZqNBj_fk/s1600-h/june2908+039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264094374606338498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNiey5pdGjQEE1SVMBuIW_668wb3gf2L5OGWU9E6XUVkvq53ZPg8kDX89hau5edKjBYzEGVJeyfndJe_BfDIy02F1tGEYAP6beAgDG1YBnOlbOgwDf5zsSG-s63XFeZ4G6MEZqNBj_fk/s400/june2908+039.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rounded Caracol shape building similar to the Chichén Itzá style.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-RqY63fZ8A-fSFn4lDehORt0dN2Muh6odkm6y0Iptwy5rVfDG-gMredA1Lp9fPhdVxDn4C4CrSgFyboIUPn_iAV-np6ze6r7EM5EV7NdsdESv-NXDrCnBRZzeHfWPIoIxmrh6iiGamw/s1600-h/june2908+038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264094364228449938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-RqY63fZ8A-fSFn4lDehORt0dN2Muh6odkm6y0Iptwy5rVfDG-gMredA1Lp9fPhdVxDn4C4CrSgFyboIUPn_iAV-np6ze6r7EM5EV7NdsdESv-NXDrCnBRZzeHfWPIoIxmrh6iiGamw/s400/june2908+038.JPG" border="0" /></a>Altar? Sundial?<br /><div align="left"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-23294524068579550832008-10-23T16:09:00.006-05:002009-05-15T15:10:36.725-05:00Mayapan<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260461976863544642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSzE9FEr-j1VV3HpzdARXwT2_BQO_FSLR6nV3SXHNBJkDi6xrgfnUomkIH8VZfYwUvtITmnNeABJCf_x7tdw_TElCrmvh5qc3m4x6zJXF5Jsb72mKpZY_e2IzFLgSHseNNXcyCczgdAM/s400/july2008+041.JPG" border="0" /><br />We were two of four total visitors to Mayapan one Sunday in June. There was a stillness about the place, and not just because of the lack of wind or stifling heat of summer. Nor was it the absence of huge tour buses and incessantly chattering tourists. It is a place I found peace of mind. I would like to spend more days sitting atop the highest pyramid and writing, while Pablo plays his tambor or sketches the surroundings.<br /><br />Twelve thousand people are believed to have been living in Mayapán during its flourishing period in the 11th and 12th centuries. There were some 3600 buildings and 20 cenotes at the core of the center surrounded by 8 kms. of rock walls. It has not gone through major restoration, thus some visitors to this site do not see it as impressive, according to guide books I have read. What seemed so interesting to me were the thought provoking, unique rock shapes on the ground, the small wells, and the numerous cenotes.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2Bkd8KTbshPHrxrsHxhIqmdWURFdaTwVdahR7nyAxetRZUcmOXVB4Qebh1a88XyyPvoNdLjXrukr_eCOLNw6nEEYtFyOvsMmJFBvw8_VH-ZMqdywXj2jHA96CCWdtrxDAFTfOGYCA2M/s1600-h/july2008+068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260462963664782226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2Bkd8KTbshPHrxrsHxhIqmdWURFdaTwVdahR7nyAxetRZUcmOXVB4Qebh1a88XyyPvoNdLjXrukr_eCOLNw6nEEYtFyOvsMmJFBvw8_VH-ZMqdywXj2jHA96CCWdtrxDAFTfOGYCA2M/s400/july2008+068.JPG" border="0" /></a> According to Mayan lore, Mayapán was founded by the man-god Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkán in Maya) in 1007 AD. It was one of the three most important ceremonial and trade centers in the Yucatan during its time. For two and a half centuries it was the capital of a Mayan confederacy of city states with Uxmal and Chichén Itzá. In the 1200's the rulers of Mayapan conquered Chichén and Uxmal and held its leaders captive. A successful revolt of the captive rulers brought down Mayapán and it was all but abandoned in the mid-1400's.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260462968491482658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-9jngjkR3k-uw6R1YSG0Qy2BLxJEtjKbOyptqaPTs9bRQVGHAg2cnZ0PiNGxCCOXS0CASBojRqUOZmhC_1aW2B4FHearsXmncI1lgfDYjCG6s85OfmC_SR2_H_KyaQRJLGfgGqLk5v4/s400/july2008+072.JPG" border="0" />The style of architecture here is very much like that of Chichén, although there are obvious Toltec and Puuc influences. The core of the site is smaller, and perhaps that is why for the first time I could almost envision the daily life of the original inhabitants. Although the grounds left you with the feeling that a lot of warring went on there, beyond that was the presence of all the people who lived there.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmzPq2c5mC3OISKm2r_iZuk5g76c7M5EWb7Da1wLZ5_br9m0r2742NV297cvejDr9DK6GDi4n2N7AGMU3sMR5d3zPFx_hzu98agKUBiVgiAkflPXOungnZFNEeryjZKVIXSsRDTocIvw/s1600-h/july2008+067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260461994541077442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmzPq2c5mC3OISKm2r_iZuk5g76c7M5EWb7Da1wLZ5_br9m0r2742NV297cvejDr9DK6GDi4n2N7AGMU3sMR5d3zPFx_hzu98agKUBiVgiAkflPXOungnZFNEeryjZKVIXSsRDTocIvw/s400/july2008+067.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the advantages in visiting sites like Mayapán is that you can still climb all the pyramids and really explore the site in depth. So many of the heavily visited locations have created security restrictions. The government gets very protective when they are actively finding treasures buried inside the hidden tombs.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j3hDgV-jjB_wNFAOLfqvM5GQd40ZMSiu1Qeb3H_Wwo5sJV-4Fz5Xi7T22Iu5__p_opT0shJrrSrhBCWNloOshyphenhyphena36SxPeGSq5l6gYtdvsZtIu2dUCheiAjlks8TdM2bA-WCJreCCRZA/s1600-h/july2008+056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260461988704425042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j3hDgV-jjB_wNFAOLfqvM5GQd40ZMSiu1Qeb3H_Wwo5sJV-4Fz5Xi7T22Iu5__p_opT0shJrrSrhBCWNloOshyphenhyphena36SxPeGSq5l6gYtdvsZtIu2dUCheiAjlks8TdM2bA-WCJreCCRZA/s400/july2008+056.JPG" border="0" /></a> This apparent space ship landing lies at the bottom of one of the tallest temples on the site. Seriously, there is a well in the middle and I have to wonder what purpose the surrounding buildings served.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMISJzKfggVzuLHqbIIj1EvaLiByfNULS5Z5lkGt8yDWyPrIJxOnvUE1slBiILTjMZxEBi9WJYVzHaLZuUxJSV9cu6KD4l-zu-tis5zV3W0Ywh_ZlMo11qVm8M3V4pkr1t5Dk1Zx9pp4/s1600-h/july2008+049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260461976956165890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMISJzKfggVzuLHqbIIj1EvaLiByfNULS5Z5lkGt8yDWyPrIJxOnvUE1slBiILTjMZxEBi9WJYVzHaLZuUxJSV9cu6KD4l-zu-tis5zV3W0Ywh_ZlMo11qVm8M3V4pkr1t5Dk1Zx9pp4/s400/july2008+049.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is a glimpse of El Castillo (the tall pyramid on the right) and El Caracol (the round building in the back on the left). This is a smaller version of the sight at Chichén Itzá. The buildings are almost the same. <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260462010257476610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm7dvvheqivXe6se1VFrDYRg9U_CzmkbJSnji_0aBNCKI2Mg5WAHjN69SbjbDS4OsiT5cU9cqWrvZrK4r4ba9StCnLspqrE6_ZCuoC2P3s364kgKzdElAZFyE9_vSn5iXVjfgx9LnDE0/s400/july2008+062.JPG" border="0" />The painted murals were impressive. These colors have held up for over a thousand years. These are the predominant colors found at most ruins where color murals are found, as the Mayans were traders and shared knowledge, obviously including dyes that were permanent and good for painting stories on the walls.<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260462976335624322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65LEcYyFpCALimp9K3xEtS6myCKglztkd1keeUI2jMpIWhrGcVLtE4_EqaXoCVulhdTW2oGJqgCgsPKvA0ZuzGiahmTyjIZuPyOgWzTMMcmMxidVmX4Dx4eXSVflyb3PlYtnk9MdXcDE/s400/july2008+070.JPG" border="0" />The ball court is hidden behind the cenote. The trees you see are growing out of the center of the cenote. </div><div></div><div>"Late post classic Maya society has been characterized as efficient and mercantile. The shift in focus away from elaborate architecture reflects an important reorientation in political and economic organization. Social energies were invested into economic production and exchange, and market systems encouraged participation from all members of society in economic affairs, providing them with the opportunity to profit from the fruits of their labor. This open economic system rewarded entrepreneurs, and decreased social distances between elites and commoners, allowing more people to enjoy an affluent lifestyle. The less elaborate public and residential architecture is viewed, not as a "devolution" of former Classic practices, but a reflection of new social norms and economic priorities..." -MAYA DIVINE KINGS OF THE RAIN FOREST, p.346 </div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-27386129209009294732008-10-03T17:44:00.009-05:002009-05-15T15:08:50.007-05:00Palenque<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064088996372002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3HuZiCqP23HfukwcBSDXNIr6Ee14XUDtC9quwu7_LHR1D9djzJTyU_yBoX19K5aecy8krfv0tOjVt5IFVoTeNJk-F-7J8tdHhm4xIxqOpDdL-UO5ZqqEna5gso95WEMdV-F02qrCMBY/s400/P1010062.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="left"><br />Palenque. Not a lesser known ruin. In fact, it is one of México's most dynamic Mayan ruin sites. Located in the foothills of the Southern Sierra Norte de Chiapas mountains, Palenque contains hundreds of ruined buildings spread over 15 sq. km. As in other ruin sites, temples were built over ancient temples and discoveries are being made as archaelogists continue to dig. Palenque flourished from 630 AD to 740 AD. That is when Pakal and later his son Kan Baláam II had many of the temples seen today constructed. The more I learn about the Mayan history, it seems that all of these sites find evidence of human habitation as far back as 3000 bc.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253065785195479330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWqhLxpwgOayfU-T4QJ3EUhUUXxMmWtpIoYPlj24pUmVjgjdxhWjWD_if4Q1sIouBwwD5zga3FvXiuPDBlIf760NTMgMFEY2A8NPJc_tNK7IxARDmxCbIBhWq5cHdXPQMS6Zd0tuMKF8/s400/P1010131.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="left">The Temple of the Inscriptions was constructed by the Ruler Pakal. (Actually he began its construction for his tomb and his son had the temple completed once Pakal's remains were safely protected inside.) His tomb was discovered deep inside the temple in the 1950's. Back in the 80's we climbed the pyramid and then walked down a steep set of interior stairs to the tomb where we saw artifacts and the carved stone sarcophagus lid was in place. These items have since been removed to museums. Visitors are no longer allowed to climb this pyramid and they closed the interior due to excessive human humidity which negatively affected the preserved state of the findings.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253063437816960946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF16_lRaKlwDJwAsfxIE4xEjLt10R1z2sXXcevkkiMKd6JzPm7gAV1xxFX5G3lG0S0yvNCFGswQGK6e-8HvoX8_M3J61M7cPXudgLsIukqlmqTw3llc9F7lYtc3cPjYQKfL9-6MGadBc/s400/P1010045.JPG" border="0" /><br />The current viewing of Pakal's empty tomb through a new opening at the base of the Temple of Inscriptions.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253063444418805954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBHwiSXR4uFbSaf9MRtsKQKIGiT5A7MEs9kBofn7BC-XfVXrVxcs97ADQCAoQ04ofTg6gBOYDhTT8Is7joNnimH4aEsdKgFqB21BIg2TlPFfSTHlhSRCR6HcNIK95pVV4elub0vp82uU/s400/P1010051.JPG" border="0" />The shadow of the snake god Kukulcan climbs up the great temple at sunrise on the day of the winter solstice, December 22, 2007.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253066954295691954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkOfXk6Ahn-5s2-MRrykMp5vz_D5kLZcgAS4CciG93In6EljYvDmeX3gcUKvPOR5wyms5MZOiiV69hS7DikhIYU8-irMzp2ii75PlFIPorDJ4uv8PMd_rWEH4D1kMonZO7iiAXlpr9C8/s400/P1010126.JPG" border="0" /> The Palacio is comprised of four main buildings and courtyards.</div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253066954029524658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="409" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaykNtbPGXyev8ljJcgkXkZxgmekH-mB8uLagIzoH9gAIHcRVZsZMMUf6-AdMGpJjoTiSUzfK6cgtQBqi75WeZA-4wHMRbtraAkpyuM0Qes8-31p9RXLCCOXDjKaI2hVX1qJWR28_JmqQ/s400/P1010120.JPG" width="294" border="0" /> Stelae found on site.</div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253066957952982114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPttb0d5gNudW7f6h_ed9s4mEib1MHG1N6a9SaY6thRvOllN3a3dIJ7E-04ZvkZmtdjKlQmdePeMxZXeM6peY30LWcLQpIfV59HLoBH2QR9Q2giwEaetPNkIORLCXZ3o29VD7QPB-P7tk/s400/P1010135.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Inside the Palacio are underground walkways and arches.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253066959569622002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hplBVXwLvJ6savDr1a3Gao0q9_ZU2RhDapQ7YHUfjvDNyKL3q9zo9-YCOp9gGG-rmtWWETn7009BR2lj_GxCwshHHTbsFThLSWajZQ3CtQi68mT0v-Ewx2yknFZnyU6EWZi3xBfM6fY/s400/P1010141.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Inside one of the courtyards in the Palacio.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253065776469282610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8r5vWpHKhEqnSHQA2UrorfKrYFva9AHz8QzJl7dqDkF8Iu4azaoZdUQg9jiphp_eKnO_eZk7raFkV-2QpcGHML5Gk04Z1acPIHYsZeubwadHBGCY2FH7X8OO7llW5ZK4YryuCJOuqx4/s400/P1010117.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Love these windows.</p><p align="center">Below are more shots of the Palacio. The cross you can see signifies north, east, south and west to the Mayans.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253065779256401554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1ByleqlPbx0zBkIx4pvug1R3ZsdjPIYELWE_TupEp_-Uj9haMoc8iGwZChP5XedLkmQoRE5XGMnZe6XKA0bDIG4xgDGRwCElENVhBDSWdafKUF4sycRyPV0xK7LV7_NVUyE2ANajfNA/s400/P1010124.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253063444238410066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTnWIFM7Fan-BdZYq_W1oSufUof9T9xa3ErJ5Lc2AMosQtSc1iwo6EH78g_OtsoKuzGgbR97phyXn_WHhtu-T5hYsTi8-DQUE8IXe3BCOoSdM5-Kv0dg3nNyCFiuS5ZvngmiJJ22vMso/s400/P1010047.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064924753192178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7qkyItfhpHxCtkCs1140QyxAU8Vb_7bP8UUCw1kQaGB530t1axtENgf7IaUoo7teJ8e6bALN4DPf1sL75mIks-AzrabzPVVuVmTcD0BNQqtKfw6Cmj_kPW7jiw06NMJLzPYIJ1lY1aw/s400/P1010116.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253065781905252722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnxN0TxPbYNGEzjhx2NHDm3qHY_O7jK8zq0f-tbltOhS1eqBAk4MNVzgvLpRingLbYy8u6XvuxtGEY0aZFxUDa0AnQxrCY3nNLhSx4z6UjbUZMZc4spWcgjzsR2ydWSkhx1Rw6ILyNHo/s400/P1010126.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253065788394109490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YNQRTXD_2dK1kO5Q7Y6qTkuluMtsXEye8uaiXpWOpsYaNBWBrkLV1iFF5yHpItrb0ZRQd6kXOLdetaxLxYYgTiq47uDw96tsq6D0qSn-yfz74qVNL7AI5IQ4mnfxkspZ18bZJ4GzVlk/s400/P1010101.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p align="center">The Northern group.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064896740389506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaz0PPPQBNPF3mmZ-otZdYEtW1DVHkIKwzt5QZw6GERr3pOXlg6TYjOYinen6rFvDbOSnEmhhgwYD_c4P5hIddcb-ktUUjR-P2yAg64urOg1fQpi8hSsFh1qBQOK-UA7FwZ0DvqTS4lo/s400/P1010091.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p align="center">Current dig in the Acropolis Sur.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064907700313410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDkWVflxUBpPBnZhk-1um2Lr5Y-ePcUxp-fIJsVJIkfpkZyrrbRzKrEUgi7l1n6s8QnH94k4iyQwy5w3wmbc6KcwShf8aweq0cfCwGpqrsLXr183J8VXoMGDvIeV3VevEa-i5gicF-Wg/s400/P1010097.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p align="center">Looking up at the ball court. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064912324903410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikADMXkSbtVuXf-pi4ub_UTlZudgTJ6Q6OqQUzjcqCWgBueqfyyXJvoVxktYpOknJYXwggJg79_C0mOlnbmwIKxY0s8rHQ23NCmQ2mJfTthF8ihyjwjGaleso3dBVxRSPpJ7fQBHR4Jfo/s400/P1010101.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p align="center">I like this shot. I imagine that could be my room.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253063443248402178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QnLaOupLtiaf3LWXS5lSadfM-eZszbLxDbb-qdDve470XnihdFBt25OVFkJ3UWoxLh7MMHevrH-gXU2RbScnEuj496uqaVhFGb3DrwAO17Fmpq7YXgESlO5U88Bmj2tXvUHA6YgGOXM/s400/P1010058.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The largest temple in the Group of the Crosses.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064921832119794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP6d3F_msbA7GKZpiXqyKxPhnWO47AKhzee4fMtRHajCiYu1GZ-yrDopXWz_FVOrI1VNLPIKVF5slwnt0Sx2-vUVtsXqKuUseMMUakzqmwjiOdBUm8Ap5TCroEp5RzAOheZ7iicI_y-w/s400/P1010102.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p align="center">God in stone.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064077333851154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTc621zc709eRJOoJN07LpuTy4PF5Ln3qdm36jYBt_RjdlxGKC-sVvhAStTaNUeI4Nb3hDNS5NVC30_Q2FKZlC8j4DcFAG6K7yF08B5lwGALjvTyvMErd2x6kd2EtsUIsdBkeVBLv4tk/s400/P1010059.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p align="center">Magic photo..temple in the group of the crosses.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253066962283946962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuZHIfcDehwIpM8lwQYVz4qScusPCDYKkz_g0UhFvzAO1WJoXZJtdv2QWbZ4JAxL8Knatp9x4mJfdIN_8sfLwTB9u3zz31mtxu_AWkos41TrUXXfdJiQFc6-vGxc2Y_BxaDudLJjC-Qs/s400/P1010138.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064086947291170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoFnHwNOhXJV3rSPPvfQ5wB_1nycfhEbJjyxHDGq3oU_nWhhBtznFOkmDudjdHNynYSe_VJoDH2kD420UXdFgXngfboIv9vSNcwRxKVACS-9-tY4OKytqSkhxy6AKSPcBn1WyugXO7M0/s400/P1010067.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064080973524626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="298" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpfcIYQ0DYA_SyFKHZ_B8Dfxor8xG1L-Ct5mQLJXvLWdQH9BhCrxFNs7RTXFsgj8CsdQ1wQV_orjdr2Du3RcI3M68C_1SJDDBLsKhjlBDkpsxx0oPNY1RQSL02oyAdF8r849T1dLzpOU/s400/P1010065.JPG" width="398" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253064085036156354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz8Je-haKny7gd2mE7nlkvlfD5dytN7Y66M0QAii7VN9wWApYsqiqjHAzQyitiSwybA02_1k70jnLzVC5aAfjMRucTGjbwPsf6FfN5OhEAx1eMDpvx-EYpaHfkpKBXXc7qcsnsyVcr3M/s400/P1010063.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253063435712980274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTrsA1X4A-9VOvw6dxkwdwMNb3OgPt-S-Qhnuo4WKDu6qI9N6GxhDS7vfqolUoUlZ22BcdLZVc9zeCv0JGu1eT_NxvXhz7KVdwxTvj1-VwY8GndlhkJIjkrwEW4Hhcn1bSmpGc32HcmE/s400/P1010040.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p>As you can see by the excessive photo display, Palenque is one of my absolute favorite places. The first time I visited the ruins I slept in the hotel across the road from the park entrance. Now it is a museum and gift shop and parking lot. When I first heard the monkeys I was scared witless, I really thought there were lions and tigers and bears running around outside my room. </p><p></p><p>The road to the ruins from the village of Palenque is lined with places to stay. There are eco-hotels, cabañas, camping, upscale hotels; the gamut. You can find some nightlife there, mostly drummers and fire dancers. It is a very laid back area. It is a magical place. It is one place I like to visit as often as possible. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-58264565771872889142008-09-22T09:07:00.003-05:002009-05-15T15:07:40.780-05:00Seeing the Light<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_MGsdIuOi3ah_2Egt_A-4F5sCde9axTPaCGOJwXK_qjJDKOnXrvOTi5YoVvIi06MJvRkOhltahihF9fqp4lZn8AzUwA7tJfivi98ZftDntgRzVy9kFznogiml-IVRdRlBzmr2cfnO-s/s1600-h/TN_1223311.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248847142940308130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_MGsdIuOi3ah_2Egt_A-4F5sCde9axTPaCGOJwXK_qjJDKOnXrvOTi5YoVvIi06MJvRkOhltahihF9fqp4lZn8AzUwA7tJfivi98ZftDntgRzVy9kFznogiml-IVRdRlBzmr2cfnO-s/s400/TN_1223311.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>These two folks were lucky enough to see the phenomenon of the sun rising through the center of the doors of the Temple of the Seven Dolls at Dzibilchaltún Ruins, Yucatán. The equinox is September 21st. We did not go.</div><div></div><div>Today is the 22nd. We did not go yesterday because the recent in depth article I read about Dzib said the best viewing would be today. Unfortunately, the bomberos and policia and guardias told us this morning that they were not authorized to open up early today, only yesterday. When we mentioned the newspaper recommended today's viewing, we were told someone informed them incorrectly. Gotta love life in Mexico. I will post my own photo of this phenomenon in March, I promise. This sort of pissed me off.</div><div></div><div>I say 'sort of' because that is how life is. The thousands of people who went to Chichén Itzá were not only rained out, and did not get to see its equinoxial phenomenon: the Snake God Kukulcán descend the Castillo....but four people were struck by lightning! The hundred people who did not read the Diario de Yucatán and went to the Dzibilchaltún ruins on the usual day of the equinox(21st) were lucky enough to see the light.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-2046739601528091272008-09-10T15:50:00.008-05:002009-05-15T15:07:13.765-05:00Dzibilchaltún<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sFJQqyyRnb4TaDbRfj-pZ9nTI11XGlmeqjdIAoIPmXvPSG-bL6gkVG4QVnR4Hhvo51vHoazyCGLUHQij0rmAhlH1Pg6uADFx5zw-NXslI0jNQ775k40bRQbqrTY1CbzPyjK5h-MyKiw/s1600-h/dzibilchaltun7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244500236820149746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sFJQqyyRnb4TaDbRfj-pZ9nTI11XGlmeqjdIAoIPmXvPSG-bL6gkVG4QVnR4Hhvo51vHoazyCGLUHQij0rmAhlH1Pg6uADFx5zw-NXslI0jNQ775k40bRQbqrTY1CbzPyjK5h-MyKiw/s400/dzibilchaltun7.JPG" border="0" /></a> Looking at the site from the Temple of the 7 Dolls.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKq5FevlU_D5muepvo9J7vepeGMXYJ5Jz2Wb4K6KhdOyWJyPFxW3_NGpVGO5-U9sj4PSgUc4-8G4MBZUn2lJklW9KPJB3bG7IaUBqx2DTmYZ6JV_vAcLz6WxJMaIGQzMaTxI-aPgYjoM/s1600-h/dzibilchaltun5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244500257174466706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKq5FevlU_D5muepvo9J7vepeGMXYJ5Jz2Wb4K6KhdOyWJyPFxW3_NGpVGO5-U9sj4PSgUc4-8G4MBZUn2lJklW9KPJB3bG7IaUBqx2DTmYZ6JV_vAcLz6WxJMaIGQzMaTxI-aPgYjoM/s400/dzibilchaltun5.JPG" border="0" /></a> Typical Mayan Palapa.<br /><br />Dzibilchaltún<br /><br />17 km (9 mi) north of Mérida, Yucatán<br /><br /></div><div align="left">Dzibilchaltún is an important Mayan archeological site comprising of 19 kms. The arqueological zone surrounding it covers 600 hectares. Over 8500 structures were mapped by archeologists in the 1960’s, but very little have been restored or excavated. It is the third most visited ruin and the longest continuously utilized Mayan administrative and ceremonial city in the Yucatán. Evidence shows it was inhabited as early as 500 BC with its maximum population of 40,000 probably during the years 600 – 1000 AD.<br /><br />An article recently appeared in the Diario del Yucatán (Imagen P.9, 1 Sept 2008) discussing the new information learned from INAH’s ten year continual work on this prehistoric site. Dzibilchaltún is in the middle of a total excavation predominantly on the main pyramid and in the central plaza. Much insightful material has surfaced. A series of flat stones with engravings were found that tell about Mayan mythology. Deciphering the inscriptions on the painted ceramics proved the previously thought strong relationship that was maintained between Dzibilchaltún and Chichén Itzá. Part of an insightful funeral offering (ofrenda mortuoria) was found as well as an elaborate carved text inlaid in deer bone (represented in Stela 19).<br /><br />From these recent discoveries we now know Dzibilchaltún, which translates into Spanish as “Donde Hay Escrituras Sobre Piedras Planas”(Where There Are Incriptions on Flat Stones), was originally named Chi Y Chaan Ti’Ho. I would like to translate that for you, but it is tricky. It could mean the Small Mouth or Border of Old Merida, but I am looking up each word in my Mayan dictionary and the meanings are unclear. I will work on that!<br /><br />Most of the current discoveries appear to correspond to contributions made by the leader Kalom’uk’uu Chaan Chaak sometime around the late 800 – 900 AD period.<br /><br />There are two excellent examples of the sacbe, or white roads. One connects the Temple of the Seven Dolls to the southern end of the Plaza. The Temple of the Seven Dolls is perhaps the most impressive building as it is the only Mayan temple with windows and a tower instead of roof combs. It is so named for the seven small effigies discovered inside the temple. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244500240175502114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix05sfM8_vos0TwSpMRL7GUOg3hMt3r4wyyx2A4mNoRsX_pUsjghsS8FUcNQ4cGXUngciLmF3bdoLqYHn7g7Ba8y1JRDwDH3iaGza8r86e0BU_RGK2sSOyp6YttB4yf2VlidLXP6VHN2U/s400/dzibilchaltun6.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> The Temple of the 7 Dolls<br /></p><p align="left">On the days of spring and autumn equinoxes, the brilliant sun rises directly in the door of this temple. According to Lonely Planet Guide, “as it (sun) rises the temple doors glow, then light up as the sun passes behind. To ancient Mayans this light signified the time for planting and harvesting of crops. Although the park is open from 8am to 5pm (or 4:30 depending on which guide you read), on equinox days people flock to experience that exquisite first light of day. My plan is to follow up on this entry with some photos of this upcoming event on September 22nd.<br /><br /><br />In the center of the main plaza there is an open chapel built in the 16th century, showing Dzibilchaltún was inhabited until at the least the Spanish Conquest. On the opposite end of the sacbe from the Temple of the Seven Dolls is an example of older architecture and an impressive cenote. Named Xlacah, or “Pueblo Viejo” (Old Village), it is believed it earned its name due to Dzibilchaltún’s occupation during the pre-classic period. At least 30,000 artifacts have been extracted from the cenote. It is 44 meters deep in part, although a shallower area is a popular swimming spot for visitors. The cenote is beautifully covered with water lilies yet the water remains crystal clear.<br /></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244500245463644770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w2l3Z3bqG-2NUpMoxerzDb-lNC45a4hX1xpD7yuPxQJ3BeanIMeSG2aCwH5vUHd8AyuncKrHVt9__ykz2F70db2OSbUy3kcbx52bfAktTokpiIj0r0nJ3iC98QyzuB7QXrn2a2nYTMM/s400/dzibilchaltun12.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The chapel in the central plaza.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244500252329609778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF8lOQqm79GUrWtDj5RsdHYxyI1mMyHOCYAqbOhi_zZ1pcp-8N9O2ZNEefnbo3XFkG7RFkAqen5mbvYjv4CAHChiKFLGi94A7xm2sIQpxhu5-h_FT7ODJonNb9mJLCcYE71nhRt6AKns/s400/dzibilchaltun14.JPG" border="0" />Cenote Xlacah </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">The Museo del Pueblo Maya on site features excellent artifacts, has exhibits explaining Maya daily life and beliefs from ancient times. Although this site may not be as massive as Chichén Itzá it is a substantial site where one can visualize the changes that took place over the millennium of its occupation.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244503004562945074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center; div: " alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIojBHwFlxN2Qves7xDCMUKJDJlbMUAd50H1Lxd51EpfDIGjI1708B_zrAbBmlB9XmEzrde3I_QXsZaplwnflEliykneTV7XQ2jslBai3cn4s2gxWXBrCmKLvg4kp7K1Dr9ZiC5mnHVQ/s400/dzibilchaltun3.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p><p align="center">Another style of Palapa shown by Cherie.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244502996191613810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB_qHsuMvaG6x8DLDkpxwiYvMLll0uv9aySKkZw6cBGqSvsKGvl7tzsBsLI3I4bx46l4hjhB5vTXlc7mdNSDxLHRE3ODVetkskchewyfUDY5Yxv_XcXFzOMLomCmeWs_Y_Ct_A1GF7L8/s400/dzibilchaltun2.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">Tools and typical indoor setup.</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-32151921097579796522008-09-02T16:11:00.005-05:002010-03-14T08:36:52.924-06:00Ek' Balam<div align="center"><br />
<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8YWgMH_jIR_2p6VLoXjoMV1zOcebdPAP65rnJ7eNI3qSmF2vY3gtiRuasg86W_Cx5tlcqB0Fx52x3TzHYF7HgxPaoU94krVzBV0WQ3xU7VxeRlP-25lNSHlArFPGA8qyL5eERiS7mGA/s1600-h/june2908+115.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241537164379016914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8YWgMH_jIR_2p6VLoXjoMV1zOcebdPAP65rnJ7eNI3qSmF2vY3gtiRuasg86W_Cx5tlcqB0Fx52x3TzHYF7HgxPaoU94krVzBV0WQ3xU7VxeRlP-25lNSHlArFPGA8qyL5eERiS7mGA/s400/june2908+115.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Ek’ Balam</div><div align="left"><br />
119 mi. E of Mérida (190 km)<br />
100 mi W of Cancún (160 km)<br />
10 mi N of Valladolid (17 km)<br />
<br />
This information is written in stone at the site, and is most informative:<br />
<br />
<em>“Commander Juan Gutiérrez Picón relates in the ‘Account of Ek’ Balam’ (1579), that Captain Francisco de Montejo granted him the capital of the district of Tiquilbalon or Ek’ Balam, containing five villages, for having been one of the conquerors of the region. According to this account, it also states that Tiquilbalon was founded and populated by the great man called Ek’Balam, who built most of the five structures at the site and that the rest were constructed by other captains, under his orders.<br />
<br />
Ek’Balam is a Yucatec Maya name – apparently taken from this leader – which may be translated as the ‘black jaguar’ or ‘bright star-jaguar’.<br />
<br />
The enormous dimensions of the buildings are what stand out at this site, as well as the fact that the central part is surrounded by two walls, an uncommon attribute. The most important structures are found within the walled enclosure of less than one square kilometer and distributed within two large, connected plazas, referred to as the Central and South Plazas. Numerous constructions of different sizes are found around these.<br />
<br />
The walls have five entrances in different sections of its periphery and five sac be’oob (roads) which depart from them in the direction of the four cardinal points. The south side of the wall is a special case, as it has two entrances and two sac be’oob. The most important cultural period at Ek’Balam was the late Classic (700 – 1000 AD); however, the early inhabitants arrived earlier and remained living there until after 900 AD, as demonstrated by a few small constructions built after this date. Their characteristics are very different from the older buildings, which makes it clear that the society suffered some changes and dedicated les resources and work to construction.” </em></div><em><br />
</em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241537171018899538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDjfT6wOZFUYfq6gwSbb58QaPnw-GgesXt3IUFwzjutOOQbd0DCQh7qO73xIa4X6uA6aFjnWmtgl_dKjkI2Ikif3V_mfRkQha_d5GDuNzsRvJrG2fUuYFvJZ0uiJC6ASiyde53Lf5CWo/s400/june2908+121.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" />The central plaza.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241866084960536226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M_KA7Fr1isjPZSVke_AuNxiMA_sMQlSvTfNgyDbeyOM1GyP8oE4F1bzzGdV2sgeBcQT1NxQGvp50zz3t9EVxjrV3m6GQ83o7K0JbIf7T5CiXjS31B8S_IOBCq1itklb_KYXuixsMQsk/s400/june2908+122.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" />Looking at the Acropolis from atop another pyramid.<br />
<div align="left"><br />
As in many of the lesser known ruins, Ek’ Balam is covered in vegetation and only partially restored. All things considered, it is one of the most interesting sites in the area due to the mixtures of architectural styles that abound. Tree covered mounds stand next to reconstructed temples. Once you’ve gotten the feeling for the environment, you know those mounds are unrestored pyramids (temples) and realize how much is yet to be seen at this site. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241866078351251762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazzKXqSfGqWUfXlVLJDCm39E8rFckzALcBHxIZne5Lt3WZmfeFu_sbI0KAjZgVJ2mq9j8BSVeqB97gSwPTQzxmHNnCPtFlilFXGtOtVXn7BV5c9qQUFCBOCSbQeNpbz2W87sghAwD41I/s400/june2908+109.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" />One of many unrestored temples.<br />
<div align="left"></div><br />
<div align="left">The words “Ek’ Balam” mean “dark/star/black jaguar”. I am going to go off track for a minute because of this translation. Three resources; three definitions of the word “ek’”. In learning the Mayan language, I question all this kind of stuff. I looked up Ek’ in the Diccionario Maya Popular. This word does not exist in my dictionary (there is ek, éek’, eek’ but no ek’), but check out these entries:<br />
Ek: A bumblebee<br />
Eek’: star<br />
Éek’: dirty (as in dirty laundry) or dark<br />
Éek’ Báalam: a medicinal plant of the Croton family<br />
Báalam: jaguar<br />
I am going to leave the title of this article as it is, but for future reference, this incredible Mayan site will be called “Eek’ Báalam” in my book and be known as STAR JAGUAR. </div><div align="left"></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241537166962158386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjRgYE8ZgKoXU8RlWHNz11vlDpMvC9OW5ItxmCPqjUiXMVjYJvRvTLhWYyw94TZesOzxoWf31ErLBdGH3bUGgfxdXnVjFJSQiC8JBA6BXbjc7s22buJ4ikoF37QAwDEVWKzoxpzQHzGQ/s400/june2908+084.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<div align="center">The view atop Acropolis with visible sacbe. In the distance you can barely make out Cobá.</div><div align="left"><br />
Eek’ Báalam contains some of the finest sculptures in the Yucatán. It holds the record of having the longest continuously inhabited communities in the area. The “sac be’o’ob’” or white roads, raised limestone paved causeways used as footpaths between Mayan cities, are visible from the top of the tallest pyramid. On a clear day (which most days are, it seems) you can see the ruins of Cobá and Chichén Itzá as well. The sacbes lead to those ruins. Some of the white roads stretch 100 miles. One day I would like to walk the length of one of the sacbe’o’ob and feel the spirits in the jungle.<br />
<br />
This was a walled city, much like Tulum on the Caribbean coast. The core area is 4 square miles (6 sq km). Eek Báalam was first settled in the Pre Classic era, around 100 BC. Most of the buildings in the central plaza were built around 800 AD or later. The Acropolis is one of the tallest buildings in the Yucatán standing 32 meters high (100 ft.). The size of the building is most impressive. At 520 ft (160 m) long and 200 ft (60 m) wide, it holds a series of separate chambers. Many of them are currently under restoration. They are continually finding more elaborately designed and surprisingly well preserved stucco sculptures and inscriptions. The most impressive chamber is a huge stucco frieze covered in inscriptions. The door transforms into the wide open jaws of a snake with skulls on the corners supporting unusual human winged figures, called Mayan Angels. This is an elaborate representation of the gaping mouth of the underworld god, Xibalbá.. This was only seen in the Chenes architectural style, which flourished far away in Campeche.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241537170646537298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb_9LEyfsh0ojQ_ce6chiiq4J3R4RMMAzvaGE_EFI0aYPQlqcDYcD0ezvJacv56-u6D2bgSQWxjHPfc79ZQzTQH6dX2VhveIWgltRnjLkYXP-5eStrLu1WaCOCW8T9kxVrKdCrkbkYrw/s400/june2908+093.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" />Winged Mayan Angels.</div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" height="302" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241866082988261698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxhHjrcNOjAuU3YVFL4d2fIWqKCIsUjFiiIpZ5qt1zpQOcT1G7UpNEkuxt3zvCfIrt8iidGjnghDGDB9dP39URb_vqjQEVzWPXUuOj16pbBIzIVh2htgHLJSSyJKUqLdxFLrVBTRqtEY/s400/june2908+101.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="398" />The frieze looking up from the ground.</div><div align="left"><br />
There is a unique caracol (conch shaped) building, much like the one used in Chichén Itzá, a rounded building thought to be used to study the stars. There is a fine arch similar to those found in the Ruta Puuc near Uxmal and the ruins near Campeche.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241537176083311730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YBUCsk7dddaqPMUBK5nP5ILStUafmHbd-n56aMpEMuHOPaf7m6P2A_XrvUbQEBJ3ZcLjiROh3zxsCI9OcYFaRffGQuOSAKWNm1I1w8XQMJRUAMVvKlN_lZJzmcogZfRm4GQFhYYjzdA/s400/june2908+127.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<div align="center">Thought provoking rounded structures.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241866089091639442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPuARAoxHErbagdcUvTfYHAY6Pw3gbbNrasPTcmnxf8944BCeMsQ4zXY2HKIV5rH14LUXV8YtzsM9GURLDNo-Q9Af_GJvyzrz2sNtb45Ro8nCEUN3IAComybWCTU1UHFGHL7JEVajDxI/s400/june2908+125.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" />The arch, similar to Kabah and Uxmal structures.<br />
<div align="left"><br />
Eek’ Báalam and nearby Yaxuná appear to have been defeated by military operations in the 11th century. Many native plants have been preserved, and Eek´ Báalam gives one the feeling of walking through a botanical garden. It is one of those destinations that beckons you to return. You know that each time you go more of the site will be accessible and understandable as the mysteries continue to be unraveled.</div><div align="left"></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241866079812301682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfczZrQI7Qh8PET3KG2zRI_jp4JirCZhZAxEVl2CHt19YEbfTUgE6MSoMG8NyhOcnyheQbml0tjaHFWd3uFP94d3PF9u3YIo2b_zW2b2rXWY-H814EBVUJuk6nPtRfTa4n1lOwyG7wTOA/s400/june2908+111.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></div><div align="center">Unidentified flower.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4596629897980641203.post-63535065672162748102008-08-31T11:08:00.004-05:002009-05-15T15:02:35.788-05:00The Maya World<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-0414OJcK5RfXyvBBL3y4ut4R-COKWjv3nxdnkG6CfdzW6c7OYuNZ6DOMIED9KLTBipZ77pqVLa_ezj9FxG9Ez6zvzmtezFhrTLSR4kKTyls5Hui4-h-6tk66HsdJR32n3FIdlJU0UY/s1600-h/P1010059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240721287684893650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-0414OJcK5RfXyvBBL3y4ut4R-COKWjv3nxdnkG6CfdzW6c7OYuNZ6DOMIED9KLTBipZ77pqVLa_ezj9FxG9Ez6zvzmtezFhrTLSR4kKTyls5Hui4-h-6tk66HsdJR32n3FIdlJU0UY/s400/P1010059.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sunrise at Palenque, Chiapas, México<br /><br /><div align="left">I have a book called THE MAYA WORLD by Demetrio Sodi Morales. It has been shuffled around with much of the rest of my library since the early 80’s, and finally I have read it. Because I have been attempting to obtain insight into the Mayan civilization, I have been reading all the books I collected on the subject. I continue to buy these huge thick books and have trouble reading them (the writing can be a little dry), so it is a slow process and there is much information to absorb. Luckily the photos and illustrations are awe inspiring; they keep me going forward.<br /><br />I have learned that the Mayans created one of the most original and grandiose civilizations ever known. They are credited with grasping and using the concept of ZERO. They are not a homogenous group, but a collection of groups with different languages and customs and historical backgrounds sharing similar traits. They moved around a lot. Different people had different styles of construction, agriculture, beliefs and several of these influences can be found at many Mayan ruins.<br /><br />Belonging to this culture are the Olmecs, Nahuas, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, Tarascans, etc. The Maya, or Mayance, are distinguished by their languages. One large linguistic family grew from the original tongue in Guatemala around 3000 BC, according to Mr. Sodi Morales’ information.<br /><br />Maya consists of at least 65 languages. Not separate dialects, mind you, but different languages. There is Yucatec Maya, spoken in the Yucatán in México. Quiché is known as the original Mayan tongue spoken in the Guatemalan Highlands, which they still use today. (The Mayan Bible, the Popol Vuh, was written in the Guatemalan Highlands in Quiché and later translated into other Mayan languages.) Kekchi is spoken in the northeastern part of Guatemala. Tzeltal and Tzotzil are spoken in Chiapas. Chorti is spoken around Copán, Honduras. Lacandón is spoken in the entire southern Chiapas area bordering Guatemala, where the Lacandon Jungle is located. Others, like Tojolabal, Chontal, Kanjobal, Chuj, Cakchiquel, Pokoman and Pokomchi I have not yet located. Actually they spoke Chontal somewhere we were on our trip recently, either in Guatemala or Honduras. What is so interesting, is that in listening to the people speak these varied Mayan tongues, I can pick out some words that are the same or similar to Yucatec Mayan. My Mayan is limited, but I am currently studying the language and manage to retain some of it. We noticed that some words were the same in all the dialects heard in conversation with indigenous people in various areas. The word in Yucatec Maya for chili is “’iik”, for very is “uts”, star is “eek” and maize (corn) is “ix’iim”. These words were heard spoken in Guatemala, Honduras, Chiapas and the Yucatán, México. Other than a few similarities, as in the similar harsh guttural sounds, you know you are hearing Mayan spoken, but none of it is recognizable. Not even good morning or thank you contain any similarities. My friend and I recently took a trip to Guatemala and Honduras and every “Ma’alob K’iin” (good morning in Yucatec Mayan, which we say a lot) was met with odd stares. It was Campeche in the Yucatán where we started getting some Mayan response to our attempts to speak it.<br /><br />The Mayan civilization has been divided into periods. Based on archeological findings and studies, the Pre Classic period began around 3000 BC and existed until the third century AD. The people living in those times appeared to be agricultural and intelligent, creating villages and ceremonial centers. They did seem to do a lot of wandering however.<br /><br />The Classic Period dates back to 325 AD and ran until 800 AD. Due to influences of this nomadic people, many trades flourished. Agriculture, trade, and technology were improved, and political, social, religious and military hierarchies consolidated. Most of the evidence of the Mayan people exists in ruins from the Classic period. They had a tendency to build over temples and pyramids of former eras, much of which is being discovered the deeper they penetrate and restore the hundreds of spectacular ruin sites in this area. The Post Classic period began in the ninth century and evidenced the beginning of change, collapse and abandonment. By the fifteenth century, in conjunction with the arrival of the Spaniards, the civilization had ended. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240721289686858850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbNW2wqVo6V1RT7Ar0aKhnu-r5yCxThgC4hC3-ImUycPCbv6hZUgY95SAXowS83kefGaN4Ivt0P5BDNA5KgZlSNO3coY0bnxW-EZGJhHCpSoDslGSKVD26F4D0WDX-cgRj-pCsD138qI/s400/P1010155.JPG" border="0" />Rosalila Temple, Copán, Honduras</div><div align="center">Found underneath layers of newer pyramid.</div><div align="left"><br />There is a lot of speculation as to what wiped out the Mayan civilization; often it is attributed to famine, a giant meteorite, or an unanswered mystery. It is now thought that the Mayans did not disappear; only their freedom and imposing culture created in Pre-Hispanic times did. There is evidence that there was a lot of war between tribes from 900 AD until the Spaniards arrived. But the Mayans are still around. They are scattered all over Central America and can be detected by their colorful traditional vestments and close knit societies. They hold on to many of their beliefs and let’s just say they did not completely buy into the Catholic religion. I have now seen two churches that are full of Christian saints and altars, where the saints are dressed in Mayan gear and represent the gods of corn, rain, sun, etc. The goings on in those churches do not resemble any Christian religion. It reminds one more of witchcraft than anything else. In fact, there is much superstition and witchcraft involved. </div><div align="left"><br />I have been interested in the Mayan culture since my first exposure to the Yucatán back in the early 1980’s, when I lived in Akumal, on the Quintana Roo Caribbean coast. I met several proud Mayans, who were always teaching me facts and interesting phrases in their language. (Your mother’s what???) I spent a lot of my free time visiting and studying the ruins around Quintana Roo and the Yucatán. Every time a friend or family member visited me, we went around to see Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Cobá, Tulum, etc. We went as far as we could get and as often as we could get there. Visiting the Mayan ruins takes a soul back in time, and sits it down to look around and speculate. How did they build these temples? What do all these inscriptions and hieroglyphics mean? How could they have arrived at the concept of zero but not have used a wheel? What did this look like in 1000 BC? 200AD? 900 AD? 1590AD?? </div><div align="left"><br />Now that I live in the Yucatán, I make it a point to visit more ruins. The area is literally dotted with them, and on a day trip from Mérida, one can visit at least a few places of great interest and diversity. My goal here is to report on, provide recent photos of, and mention more than just the ruins you see on National Geographic or Discovery Channels. The lesser known ruins, which are not lesser ruins, mind you, are just pieces of one giant puzzle which is the Mayan civilization. Once you have seen some of the marvelous work these people were capable of, you want to keep on going and see it all. Enjoy the journey.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0