Uxmal
Uxmal History
Despite the fact that Uxmal is a popular tourist destination for those interested in Mayan ruins, there has been no serious archeological excavation or research at the site. The dates of the city’s occupation are unknown. The estimated population of around 25,000 is a very rough guess that could change if more data is uncovered. Most of what tourists see today is thought to have been built between about 700 and 1100.
Some experts believe that Uxmal was founded about 500 A.D. Uxmal was said to be ruled by the Xiu family for several generations, and it was known as the most powerful site in the western Yucatan that was the greatest metropolitan and religious center of its time. Uxmal was at its highest between the 7th and 10th century A.D.. At some point after about 1200 no new major construction was done at Uxmal. This could be related to the fall of Uxmal’s ally, Chichen Itza. With the fall came a shift in power in the Yucatan to Mayapan. The Xiu family eventually moved the capital to Mani, thus making the population decline. The Xiu family allied themselves with Spain in their conquest of the Yucatan in the 1550’s, but Uxmal was abandoned after the Spanish decided not to build a town there.
Once Mexico gained their independence, the site has attracted many visitors. Jean Frederic Waldeck gave the first detailed account of the site in 1838. In 1927 the Mexican government finally stepped in to try to preserve the structures and keep them from collapsing. Plaster casts of the facades were made and a replica of the Quadrangle was constructed and put on display at Chicago’s World Fair in 1933. There are now three hotels and a small museum that have been built within walking distance of Uxmal.
Uxmal Visitor Information
The ancient Mayan city of Uxmal is located in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. The ruins are located 78 km south of Mérida and 15 km south of the town of Muna. Uxmal only takes a few hours to fully explore, and you will also find a small museum at the entrance. Make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen for protection, along with a good pair walking shoes. Uxmal is a very photogenic place, so don’t forget your camera. The site is open every day from 8am to 5pm, and the cost is 85pesos (about US$8). Several different companies offer organized tours of the ruins.
Highlights of visiting Uxmal
- Pyramid of the Magician (also known as Adivino): This is arguably the most impressive and tallest structure at 100 feet. It is located just beyond the entrance. Ancient legend claims the pyramid was built in one night by Itzamna, but experts guess it was built in five different phases. Tourists are not permitted to climb the House of the Magician anymore.
- The Nunnery: This was named by the Spanish because it reminded them of a nunnery. It is a large building that was most likely used as a school for training healers, priests, shamans, and astrologers.
- The Governor’s Palace: This provides a great example of stone mosaic work. It was most likely created by hundreds of sculptors and masons. The Governor’s Palace occupies five acres and has many beautiful sculptures Chaac, the rain god, along with serpents and astrological symbols.
- Other buildings/sites of mention:
The House of Turtles is decorated with turtle sculptures, which at that time were associated with rain.
The Dovecote is a building that contains many separate chambers.
Uxmal also has a large field or court that has a playing field 110 feet in length and 32 feet in width.
A light and sound show is also offered nightly at Uxmal that is said to be much more impressive than the one put on at Chichen Itza.
Uxmal Conservation Efforts
To aid in the conservation efforts at Uxmal, visitors are now prohibited from climbing the pyramid. Mexico’s National institute of Anthropology and History have carefully been restoring the site over the years, particularly since 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert damaged part of the pyramid. Small cracks have been noticed deep in the pyramid and so restoration work is a continuous effort.
Tagged With Central America, mayan, mexico, uxmal