History of Chicanna
The early history of Chicanna reveals a simple community steadily growing. Then it erected several incredible buildings. So who built Chicanna and why?
Chicanna Structure X and Structure XI
Chicanna Structure X and Structure XI are Mayan temples that stand together in Group C, but represent a transformation of Chicanna over the centuries.
Chicanna Structure VI
With its carved façade and roof comb, Chicanna Structure VI appears to be a temple, but the rooms added over later centuries raise questions over its use.
Chicanna Structure III
Chicanna Structure III spans the north side of Group A and was repeatedly developed from 640AD to 1040AD – but it is curiously different to the other structures
Chicanna Structure I & the Rio Bec Style
Chicanna Structure I utilises a rare Maya architectural style known as Rio Bec, which appears to mark the shift from Classic to Chenes and Puuc styles.
Tomb of the Red Queen of Palenque
Palenque’s Temple XIII has become known as the Tomb of the Red Queen following the discovery in 1994 of a red stained skeleton belonging to a wealthy woman
Palenque: Temple XIX
Temple XIX is home to the most incredible carvings found at Palenque and accompany the detailed story of Ahkal Mo’ Nahb and the birth of the gods
Brief History of Tonina
The fragmented history of Tonina has been gleaned from its scattered and broken monuments, which suggest it was among the most powerful cities of the Maya.
Temple of the Earth Monster at Tonina
Although badly ruined, the Temple of the Earth Monster’s altar still reveals a mysterious beast that may represent the sacred lineage of Tonina’s rulers.
Frieze of the Bird Dancers at Tonina
The Frieze of the Bird Dancers portrays two men dressed in magnificent feathered outfits ambiguously posed to look like ballplayers in the throes of dance
Palacio de las Grecas
The huge stepped fret motifs found on Tonina’s Palacio de las Grecas remain a mystery, however they were probably designed to broadcast the city’s belief in a lifecycle, or spiral, of violence and death.
Tonina: Palace of the Underworld
Serving a dark ritual purpose, the eerie Palace of the Underworld is a mysterious labyrinth of 11 passageways that weave beneath Tonina’s pyramid acropolis.
Tonina: Frieze of the Dream Lords
Discovered as recently as 1990, the huge Frieze of the Four Eras depicts some fantastical other-worldly processes, which leaves much to the imagination.
Tonina
The Maya city of Tonina is a fascinating puzzle. At its heart, a 72m pyramid rises to the heavens encoded with symbolism and covered in mysterious temples.
Altun Ha: The Jade Head of the Sun God
The Jade Head found at Altun Ha is the largest single piece of carved jade yet discovered in Mesoamerica. However, despite its obvious importance, very little is known about it.
Altun Ha: Structure B4 – The Temple of the Masonry Altars
Structure B4 at Altun Ha was first developed in 550AD with intriguing architectural references to both nearby Lamanai and far-afield Tikal…
Altun Ha: Plaza B
Although it is completely dominated by Temple B4, the rest of the buildings in Plaza B suggest it was a residential area for the royalty of Altun Ha.
Altun Ha: Plaza A
Plaza A was the main ceremonial centre at Altun Ha from 250AD onwards and was home to a remarkable 6th century tomb, featuring over 300 jade objects.