Ek' Balam is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in municipality of Temozón[1] in Yucatán, Mexico. These building were constructed by the Maya civilization. The site is located 30 km north of Valladolid, 2 km away from a small Maya village by the same name. In Yucatec Mayan the name means "Black Jaguar". In ancient times, it was a large city, controlling a populous and prosperous countryside. Its impressive architecture dates, for the most part, to the Late Classic.[2]
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There are 45 structures, including:
1. Defensive Walls
2. Entrance Arch
3. Oval Palace
4. The "Twin Pyamids" are atop one platform at the southwest corner of the site and have steps to each.
5. Chapel
6. Stelae which depicts a ruler of Ek Balam, probably Ukit Jol Ahkul
7. Structure 12
8. Structure 10
9. Structure 7
10. Ballcourt
11. Structure 2 on the West corner of the Acropolis is as yet unexcavated and is the 2nd largest building on the site.
12. Steam Bath
13. Structure 3 on the East corner of the Acropolis is, like Structure 2, unexcavated and is the 3rd largest building on the site.
14. 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.
15. Tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok'.
This site dates to the Late Classic period, which ran from roughly 600 to 800 AD.[2][3] During this period, Mayan civilization flourished and reached its greatest heights.[3]
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.