The Oval Palace (El Palacio Oval)

VVR7+7H Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

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.

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. The building's construction clearly shows three stages. The oldest, which gave the palace its name, consists of several stacked oval-shaped levels with sloping walls and a structure on top that likely supported a now-lost wooden level.

The next stage consists of 10 rooms surrounding the earlier structure on three sides: north, east, and west; eight are at the square level, and two more were built on the second level of the main facade, that is, on the north side. This building had a mixed function, as the rooms served as residences for the high aristocracy or priests who lived in one of the main buildings of the inner city; at the same time, the miniature sanctuary clearly shows its use for ritual purposes, as in other similar structures. In front of the building are four monolithic braziers, two of which have anthropomorphic faces.

Finally, in the third stage of construction, a small temple was added to the Oval Palace, crowning the complex. Various offerings and burials were found in this building, among which stands out the burial of an infant placed inside a pot covered with a plate, and inside, as an offering, were two ear plugs and several jade beads, undoubtedly belonging to one of the deceased’s parents.

 

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More stories from Maya Cities of Mexico: Ek Balam

Ek Balam - a pearl hidden in the jungle

VVR7+WJ Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

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.

The main pyramid of Ek Balam or Acropolis

VVR7+WJ Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

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.

Ball game court (El juego de pelota)

VVR7+GG Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

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.

Entrance Arch (Arco de Entrada)

VVR7+7C Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

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.

Twin Pyramids (Las Gemelas)

VVR7+9G Ekbalam, Yucatan, Mexico

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.