COLLECTION NAME:
Maya Art and Architecture
Record
Filename:
uxmal2.jpg
Creator:
Unknown
City or Region:
Yucatan Peninsula
Site:
Uxmal
Country:
Mexico
Subject:
Building
Subject:
architecture
Description:
Uxmal means 'Thrice built" possibly referring to the multiple layers built on the Magician's Pyramid. Some scholars also think that it comes from the Mayan word Ochmal which means "Future". Uxmal was the capital city of the Puuc region constructed mostly from 800 - 950 A.D. However, the Maya Chronicles say that Uxmal was founded around 475 A.D -525 A.D by King Tutul Xiu. The vast construction and expanse of the site supports the idea of gradual construction over the centuries. The place was once a busy Mayan city where 15, 000 to 25,000 people lived. Mayans lived here until 1100 A.D under the Xiu Kings until the Toltecs invaded them. The Maya King was defeated and moved to Mayapan, which was the last capital of the Mayas.
