Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

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The Maya founded a settlement in this place as early as the 3rd century BCE. Its area was 12 square kilometers. Later it became known as "Ek Balam," which translates to "Black Jaguar." The city was a well-fortified defensive center, as evidenced by the walls built in several rows. Today, more than 45 preserved architectural structures can be seen scattered throughout the ancient city's territory. It is believed that the name Ek Balam was given to the city in honor of one of its great kings named Ek Balam or Kok K'el Balam. According to the Maya creation legend, the Black Jaguar was the Ruler of the Underworld, a symbol of the night sun and darkness. The most noble Maya kings were considered his descendants. Overall, information about the civilization that once existed in Ek Balam is quite scarce. There are later texts suggesting that it was once part of a kingdom called Talol, founded by a man named Koch Kal Balam from the east, and later controlled by the aristocratic Kupul family. However, this is the only text in which Ek Balam is mentioned at all.

Jermaine

Ek Balam - a pearl hidden in the jungle

VVR7+WJ Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

Ek Balam (Mexico) – at first glance, a small archaeological park with ancient Maya ruins scattered everywhere. But in reality, it is a precious gem hidden in the jungle. Here stands one of the tallest Maya pyramids on the Yucatán Peninsula. The city is full of amazing and mysterious structures that will leave no one indifferent, and being atop the ancient pyramids will leave unforgettable impressions unlike anything else.

Jermaine

The main pyramid of Ek Balam or Acropolis

VVR7+WJ Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

The most impressive structure is the Acropolis, whose well-restored foundation measures 160 meters in length and 59 meters in width. It is the tallest structure in the Ek-Balam archaeological area, with a height of 32 meters. It is completely unlike other Maya pyramids in the Yucatán due to the rooms with leaf roofs located on its sides. Some of these rooms can be visited, and original stucco sculptures have been preserved under these roofs.

Jermaine

Ball game court (El juego de pelota)

VVR7+GG Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

In Ek Balam, the ball court is located between the North and South plazas and contains decorated friezes, offerings, and other ceremonial and decorative elements.

Jermaine

Entrance Arch (Arco de Entrada)

VVR7+7C Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

The main entrance to the complex is apparently the southern one, where the roadway ends. It is precisely at this spot, passing through the corner entrance formed by two fortress walls, that the Ek Balam arch is located.

Jermaine

The Oval Palace (El Palacio Oval)

VVR7+7H Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

The structure called the Oval Palace occupies the southern side of the square; its dimensions are 26 meters by 23.50 meters, with a height of 11.50 meters.

Jermaine

Twin Pyramids (Las Gemelas)

VVR7+9G Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

Structure 17, called the Twin Pyramids, is located on the west side of the South Plaza and represents the best-preserved architectural ensemble. It is a large foundation on which two or more platforms were built, and on them, two vaulted buildings with four rooms each were constructed. The structure measures 40 meters in length, 17 meters in width, and about 6 meters in height. Beneath the building we can admire today are two structures that were completely hidden: ancient Maya architects used buildings from earlier eras as the foundation for constructing new buildings.

Jermaine