Ek' Balam

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Ek' Balam is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Yucatán, Mexico built by the Maya civilization. The site is located 30km north of Valladolid, 2km away from a small Mayan village by the same name. In Yukatek the name means "Black Jaguar".

Contents 1 Architecture 2 History 3 Notable features 4 See also 5 Gallery

[edit] Architecture

There are 45 structures, including:

• The Acropolis on the North side of the site is the largest structure at Ek' Balam and contains the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok'. It measures 146 meters across, 55 meters wide and 29 meters tall.
• The circular building at the South of the site is known as The Oval Palace
• Ballcourt
• The "Twin Pyamids" are atop one platform at the southwest corner of the site and have steps to each.
• Excellently preserved Stelae which depicts a ruler of Ek Balam, probably Ukit Jol Ahkul.
• Beautiful Entrance Arch
• The two unexcavated structures (Structure 2 and Structure 3) which are located to the East and West of the Acropolis and are the 2nd and 3rd largest at the site.

[edit] History

[edit] Notable features

The largest structure, known as The Acropolis, has a 5m tall jaguar's mouth featuring winged Mayan warriors, as well as inscriptions in the Maya script. From the top of this structure can be seen the pre-Columbian sites of Coba and Chichen Itza.

[edit] See also

Mesoamerica

[edit] Gallery

Hieroglypics on 'The Acropolis'	'The Oval Palace'	Structure III and Structure X	Pillars on 'The Acropolis'
The site as seen from The Acropolis	Close-up of carving	Jaguar Altar (Right)	Jaguar Altar (Left)
Structure II and west side of 'The Acropolis'