Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal Historical Facts and Pictures

The historic city of Uxmal (pronunciation: “oosh-mahl”, meaning “thrice-built”), located south of Merida in the Puuc region of Yucatan state in Mexico, is one of the best archaeological sites exhibiting Maya culture, together with Chichen Itza, Tikal, Caracol, and Xunantunich. The layout, design, and embellishment of the structural ruins at Uxmal and the towns of Sayil, Labna, and Kabah reveal the economic and social structure of the Mayans.

Uxmal Map

The town of Uxmal does not feature a geometric layout; instead it is adapted to the hilly landscape and its organization depends on astronomical phenomena. The buildings at the site represent the characteristic Puuc architecture with the facades being divided into two elements – the plain lower level and the richly decorated upper level featuring symbolic motifs.

Uxmal

Uxmal Inside

Uxmal History

Radiocarbon dating and archaeological investigations reveal that the important structures at the site were constructed during AD 700-1000. Although the earliest community lived during the pre-Classic Maya period (800 BC), the development as well as the ultimate disappearance happened during the Late Classic era (AD 650-1000).

Uxmal Pictures

Inside of Uxmal

Uxmal Ruins

The Governor’s Palace

Featuring one of the greatest facades of the pre-Columbian era, the Palacio del Gobernador is a low building situated on top of a large platform with three elements that are connected by covered vaults.

Uxmal Governor Palace

Uxmal Governor Palace Pictures

Uxmal Governor Palace Inside

Governor Palace Corridor

Pyramid of the Magician

Also known as Pyramid of the Dwarf or Piramide Del Adivino, this pyramid has a stepped structure with elliptical or oval shaped outlines. Here, the newer pyramid was constructed to the eastern side of the old structure, preserving the temple on the top of the old pyramid. The pyramid’s western staircase is positioned in such a way that it provides a clear view of the sunset on summer solstice.

Pyramid of the Magician

Pyramid of the Magician Pictures

Nunnery Quadrangle

Nicknamed by the Spanish, the quadrangle served as the government palace. With detailed carved facades on the interior and the exterior faces, this is one of the best quadrangles of buildings in Uxmal.

Nunnery Quadrangle

Nunnery Quadrangle Aerial View

Nunnery Quadrangle North East Corner

Ballcourt

The site features a huge ballcourt used for playing Mesoamerican ballgame. According to its inscription, the structure was given by Lord Chac, better known as Chan Chak K’ak’nal Ajaw.

Ballcourt

Uxmal Ballcourt

Other monuments

Some of the other well known monuments in different states of preservation include House of the Doves, South Temple, House of the Turtles, North Long Building, Grand Pyramid, and House of the Birds.

House of the Birds

House of the Doves

House of the Turtles