The Great Acropolis

Over several centuries at Edzná, the Maya concentrated the construction and remodeling of monumental buildings in this sector, creating an enormous quadrangular base measuring 160 meters on each side and averaging 8 meters above the plaza that supports and enhances several very large structures. Here, the term acropolis refers only to a group of monumental constructions erected on a large base, without any relationship between Maya and Greek cultures. The concentration of buildings east of the main plaza reflects the great importance the ancient Maya gave to that cardinal point, where the sun, a benevolent deity of the Mesoamerican pantheon, is reborn each day. The orientation of buildings to the cardinal points was common throughout the ancient cities of Mexico and reflected both the use of urban space and the religious beliefs of the period.

Campeche · Mexico