Tikal Temple I
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Tikal Temple I is the designation given to one of the major structures at Tikal, one of the largest cities and archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in Mesoamerica, located in the Petén Basin region of northern Guatemala. Informally also known as the Temple of the Giant Jaguar[1] or Temple of Ah Cacao,[2] Temple I is a typically Petén-styled stepped pyramid structure which is dated to approximately 730 CE.
The structure is associated with Jasaw Chan K'awiil I, a Classic-era ruler of the polity based at Tikal, who ruled from 682–784. The tomb of this ruler has been located by archaeologists within the structure,[3] although it is presently unclear whether it was built for this specific purpose, or this use was a later adaptation.
Temple I reaches a height of approximately 44 m (144.4 ft) over a series of nine steep levels, from a base measuring only 30 by 34 m (98.4 by 111.5 ft). The nine levels may be a reference to the nine "Lords of the Night" in Maya mythology and Initial Series inscriptions.
The main chamber of the temple depicts Kukulcan, a feathered serpent god. [4]
Situated at the heart of a World Heritage Site, the temple is surmounted by a typical roofcomb, a distinctive Maya architectural feature.
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Glancey, Johnathan (2006). Architecture. New York: Doring Kindersley.
- Martin, Simon; and Nikolai Grube (2000). Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya. New York: Thames and Hudson.
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