The Great Pyramid (La Gran Pirámide)

Kabah Arch, Puuc, Yuc., Mexico

No less impressive an architectural monument is the large pyramid, which reaches a height of 24 meters. Next to it are the ruins of another imposing structure, closely adjoining the pyramid. This building may have been intended for public use; one hypothesis suggests that it could have hosted meetings of the city’s elite, who made key decisions.

Equally impressive as an architectural monument is the large pyramid, which reaches a height of 24 meters. Next to it are the ruins of another imposing structure that was directly adjacent to the pyramid. This building may have been intended for public use; one hypothesis suggests that it could have hosted meetings of the city’s elite, who made key decisions. One of the latest archaeological discoveries made during the excavation of this structure is the so-called "rulers' kitchen," a room measuring over 500 square meters, where numerous fragments of ceramic vessels and various cooking utensils were found.



Located on the northern side of the sacbe that leads south to a small pyramidal temple and then to Uxmal, the Great Pyramid is formed by several terraces stacked on top of each other with smoothly rounded corners, each level smaller in size than the one below it. On the southern side, there is also a wide staircase and a four-room temple at the top. This building and two smaller ones at its base have windows facing south, directly toward the sacbe. At the foot of the staircase is a group of stone-carved altars. Two altars are decorated with bas-reliefs depicting figures performing rituals—illustrative of those conducted in this pyramid. Each figure wears a helmet with a bird’s head and wings on their arms. Two altars are plain. Among the known altars in Kabah, many are associated with the ring formed by the Southern Pyramid, the Sacbe, and the Great Pyramid, giving ceremonial significance to the central group.

 

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More stories from Maya Cities of Mexico: Coba (Kabah)

Temple of Masks (Codz Poop or Palacio de las Mascaras)

Archaeological Zone of Kabah, Puuc, Kabah, Yuc., Mexico

The majestic temple Kodz-Poop (Temple of Masks) is located in the archaeological zone of Kabah. These are the ruins of an ancient city of the Maya civilization that existed in the 9th-10th centuries. Kodz-Poop is one of the few structures preserved on its territory.

Other buildings of Kabah

Archaeological Zone of Kabah, Puuc, Kabah, Yuc., Mexico

On the southern side of the path, opposite the Pyramid complex, is the Quadrangle. This unstructured structural grouping resembles the layout of the one observed in Uxmal. Along the trail, parts of the northern side are visible. Slightly south of the quadrangle is another group of unprotected structures. It is here that the Maya road (sacbe) from Uxmal ends. From the southern part of this complex, another road (sacbe) runs directly south through Highway 261 to the South Pyramid complex.

Arch (Triumphal Arch)

Arch of Kabáh, Puuc, Yuc., Mexico

Арка построена как ворота в город, служащие городской достопримечательностью. Это отдельно стоящая конструкция, расположенная на платформе высотой 4 метра в центре проезжей части, доступная по лестнице с северной стороны или по пандусу с южной стороны.