Mayan Architecture - Ancient History

Maya Temples

Some of the most beautiful and elaborate temples in the world were built by the Mayans. The temples were built on immense pyramids with stepped bases. Each side of the pyramid had a set of steps that led up to the temple


The Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced civilizations central America. It was established around 1500 BC and thrived 2,000 years. The Mayans had their own fully developed written language, spectacular architecture.They had also developed a sophisticated mathematical and astronomical system. Some Mayan centers like Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Mayapan flourished for several centuries.

Religion

Religion was an important part of Mayan life. It ruled almost everything in the life of the Mayans. Priests were considered one of the most important people in Mayan society. They were usually the ruling chiefs. The Mayans believed that their gods had destroyed and recreated the Earth several times. So they always tried to please their gods with sacrifices. Most Mayan gods were related to nature. Their supreme being was Hunan Ku, who was also considered the creator of the universe.

Pyramid-temples

The Mayan temples usually had a number of pyramid-type mounds with the main temple at the top. Some of the pyramid-temples were tall and steep, some very broad, while others were squat. The temples were built out of beautifully carved stones. The exterior was adorned with elaborate stucco decorations and the interior was decorated with mural paintings. The temple had a single floor, which generally comprised one to three dark rooms and an inner chamber, where the king performed his rituals.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was an important Mayan city. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization, which exhibits a multitude of architectural styles. The city had splendid architectural masterpieces like the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of Thousand Pillars, the Playing Field of the Prisoners, and the Temple of Kukulcan.

Temple of the Warriors

The Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza is a large step-pyramid fronted temple, flanked by rows of carved columns depicting warriors. At the top of the stairway on the pyramid’s summit that leads toward the entrance of the temple is a Chac Mool. The Chac Mool was an altar where offerings to the gods were placed.

High Priest's Temple

The High Priest’s Temple at Chichen Itza is a step-pyramid temple. It is a smaller version of the Temple of Kukulcan.The temple was actually a tomb for one of the city’s rulers.

Temple of Kukulcan

The Temple of Kukulcan or El Castillo was located at the center of Chichen Itza. It was one of the most important temples at Chichen Itza. The temple is a step-pyramid with Stairways on all four sides leading to a temple at the top. In fact, there are two temples on the pyramid. The Mayans built a larger and grander temple atop the older temple. Inside the older temple, one can still see King Kukulcan’s Jaguar Throne, carved of stone and painted red with jade spots.The pyramid of Kukulcan was the last Mayan temple to be built.

Temples at Tikal

Tikal is the largest of the ancient ruined
cities of the Mayan civilization. It is located in the rainforests of Guatemala.The most prominent buildings among the ruins are the six Mesoamerican step-pyramid temples known as Temples I-VI. Most of these pyramid-temples were built between the late 7th and early 9th century.

Tikal Temple 1

Tikal Temple 1, also known as Temple of the Giant Jaguar or the Temple of Ah Cacao, is one of the major structures at Tikal. Built around AD 695, the temple is located in the Petén Basin region of northern Guatemala. The temple is a step-pyramid with a height of approximately 44 m.The main chamber
of the temple depicts Kukulcan, a feathered serpent god. The temple also houses the tomb of Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, a Classicera ruler of the Mayan civilization.

Temples at Uxmal.

Uxmal is one of the most well-known cities of the Mayan civilization. The Adiyino or Pyramid of the Magician is the most famous pyramid temple at Uxmal. 1

Mayan calendar

The Mayans had a highly sophisticated calendar system and hieroglyphic writing. In Chichen Itza, at El Castillo, a Maya calendar 15 set in stone, with 365 steps representing the days of the year.