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Uxmal in the Puuc region
Uxmal is a former Mayan city located on the Yucatan Peninsula, more precisely in its northern part, in the Puuc region. The Puuc hill range, about 100 km south of Merida, was a good defensive site for the Maya. An additional advantage was the fertile land, ideal for growing maize.
The weather in this part of the peninsula is much drier than in its center, in addition natural wells, the so-called cenotes are rather rare. This resulted in the need to store water in special tanks (chultunes). Nevertheless, several ruins of ancient Mayan cities have been discovered in the Puuc region, incl. Kabah, Sayil, Labná, and also Uxmal, which ruled the region.
Puuc style
The Puuc region, despite the lack of water, quickly populated. It is believed that Uxmal and other cities in the region reached their peak of development in the late Classic Period, between 600 and 850 AD. The Maya centers were connected by a network of the so-called white roads, used mainly for ceremonial purposes.
A coherent style of architecture, the Puuc style, was also created. Its characteristic elements are stone mosaics full of geometric details as well as masks on the walls of the buildings. In Uxmal we can find numerous decorations in the form of images of the rain god Chaca, which, as it is believed, indicates the scarcity of water in the Mayan times.
The Governor’s Palace and the Nuns’ Quadrangle
The most important buildings in Uxmal are the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor’s Palace and the Nuns’ Quadrangle. It is necessary to admit that the buildings were given surprisingly figurative names by the Spaniards who came to Mexico. They simply did not know the function of the Mayan buildings or their purpose.
Oval Pyramid of the Magician
The Pyramid of the Magician is by far the most extraordinary monument in Uxmal, and in my opinion also the most characteristic pyramid in Mexico, except maybe the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán. The pyramid’s uniqueness is due to the fact that it was built on an oval base.
It was created in 5 stages in the period from the 6th to the 10th century. At each of these stages, another temple was built on top of the existing one. In this way, the impressive 35 m high pyramid, existing to this day, was created. It is hard to imagine, but originally it was almost entirely red, except for blue, yellow and black details. Despite the lack of colors, the Pyramid of the Magician is sure to be remembered. 🙂
Photographs of Uxmal
35-meter-high Pyramid of the Magician is the tallest structure in Uxmal 
Well-preserved decorations of Mayan buildings 
Pyramid of the Magician and the ruins of the surrounding buildings 
Narrow passageways 
Geometric ornaments and Chaac masks 
Nunnery Quadrangle 
Other buildings in the Nunnery Quadrangle with characteristic square entrances 
Entrance to the temple at the top of the Pyramid of the Magician 
Nunnery Quadrangle 
Pelota field 
Huge platform under the Governor’s Palace 
Ruins under the Governor’s Palace and characteristic geometric decorations 
The Governor’s Palace – a masterpiece in the Puuc style 
View of Uxmal – pelota pitch on the left and the Pyramid of the Magician on the right 
Ruins of Mayan buildings in Uxmal 
Pyramid with a unique, oval shape 
The construction of this pyramid began in the 6th century and continued for 400 years 
A typical Mexican stall and a nice saleswoman
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Carly BB
I am a passionate enthusiast of travel, archeology, photography and dancing 🙂 On this page I try to combine the first three elements: P and show you that travelling becomes definitely more interesting when we discover visited places, and often inconspicuous ruins hide the most fascinating stories 🙂