Difference between revisions of "Calakmul"
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Explorer Cyrus Longworth Lundell discovered Calakmul in 1931. Lundell called it "the city of two adjacent mounds" from the Mayan words ''ca'' (two), ''lak'' (nearby) and ''mul'' (mound). | Explorer Cyrus Longworth Lundell discovered Calakmul in 1931. Lundell called it "the city of two adjacent mounds" from the Mayan words ''ca'' (two), ''lak'' (nearby) and ''mul'' (mound). | ||
| − | Calakmul played a key role for more than twelve centuries. | + | Calakmul played a key role for more than twelve centuries. The site contains several stone buildings occupying an area of 44 square miles and has more than 6,000 structures. This seems to suggest that Calakmul used to be the largest Mayan city of its time, bigger than its rival [[Tikal]]. The structures are pyramids, temples and adoratorios, a ball game, palaces and house-room built with figured stones. The architectural characteristics of the constructions correspond to the classic period. Some stelas at Calakmul are over 6 feet tall and are completely carved (Hieroglyphic). The stelas are outstanding examples of mayan art. |
The biggest pyramid has over 120 feet of high. Another building, for its orientation and its design, suggests that it was an "Observatory Temple". | The biggest pyramid has over 120 feet of high. Another building, for its orientation and its design, suggests that it was an "Observatory Temple". | ||
Revision as of 00:11, April 23, 2007
Calakmul is an ancient Mayan city in Campeche, Mexico. It is located in the southern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, set deep in the tropical forest of the "Tierras Bajas" of easthern Mexico.
Explorer Cyrus Longworth Lundell discovered Calakmul in 1931. Lundell called it "the city of two adjacent mounds" from the Mayan words ca (two), lak (nearby) and mul (mound).
Calakmul played a key role for more than twelve centuries. The site contains several stone buildings occupying an area of 44 square miles and has more than 6,000 structures. This seems to suggest that Calakmul used to be the largest Mayan city of its time, bigger than its rival Tikal. The structures are pyramids, temples and adoratorios, a ball game, palaces and house-room built with figured stones. The architectural characteristics of the constructions correspond to the classic period. Some stelas at Calakmul are over 6 feet tall and are completely carved (Hieroglyphic). The stelas are outstanding examples of mayan art.
The biggest pyramid has over 120 feet of high. Another building, for its orientation and its design, suggests that it was an "Observatory Temple".