Ek' Balam - Architecture

Architecture

There are 45 structures, including:

  1. These are the city’s Defensive Walls, which end on both sides at an unsurpassable, steep sink hole.
  2. The Entrance Arch stands at the entrance of Ek’ Balam on four legs, constructed over the road that leads into the city, and was probably ceremonial in purpose.
  3. The Oval Palace contained burial relics and its alignment is assumed to be connected to cosmological ceremonies.
  4. Structure 17 or The Twins atop of which there are two mirroring temples on either side.
  5. Chapel
  6. A carved stela which depicts a ruler of Ek Balam, possibly Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’.
  7. Structure 12
  8. Structure 10 is a platform whose base dates to the Late Classic but was built upon by later generations.
  9. Structure 7
  10. The Ballcourt was completed in 841.
  11. Structure 2 on the West corner of the Acropolis is one of the large platforms that make up the main plaza and contains a temple in one corner.
  12. Steam Bath
  13. Structure 3 on the East corner of the Acropolis is an unexcavated platform that borders the main plaza.
  14. Structure 1 or the Acropolis on the North side of the site is the largest structure at Ek' Balam and is believed to contain the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', an important ruler in Ek’ Balam. Excavations on it began in 1998, when it was just a mound.
  15. This is the temple in which Ukit Kan Le'k Tok' is supposedly buried, called El Trono (‘The Throne’). The doorway is in the shape of a monster-like mouth, probably depicting a jaguar.

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