Becan — Structure VIII, Río Bec Twin-Tower Pyramid
Maya Late Classic, c.590–830 CE·Maya (Río Bec)·🇲🇽 Campeche, Río Bec Region, Becan, Mexico
About
About Becan — Structure VIII, Río Bec Twin-Tower Pyramid
Twin-tower pyramid Structure VIII south of Becan moated citadel (c.590–830 CE, Late Classic Río Bec). 12 m high, two hollow towers flanking central stair leading to upper temple with three rooms. Becan is largest Río Bec moated centre (72-ha enclosure ditched). Rueda & Webster INAH campaigns.
Why it mattersSuburb pyramid shows Río Bec urban sprawl beyond Becan moat.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Moat — defensive vs water management still contested
Theories
- 01Becan as interior Calakmul frontier capital
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.600–750 CE
- Period
- Maya Late Classic, c.590–830 CE
- Culture
- Maya (Río Bec)
- Builders
- Maya (Becan lords)
- Purpose
- Rank-marking pyramid — southern suburb temple for citadel lineage
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.600–750 CE
Initial construction / foundation
c.800 CE
Major refurbishment / enlargement phase
c.1500 CE
Abandonment or conversion
1890–1930
Modern rediscovery and first scientific survey
On the ground
Structures & features
18.5200° N · 89.4670° W · 180 m · 2 mapped features
Twin hollow towers VIII-North and VIII-South
towerHollow towers with interior staircases not reaching summit
18.5201° N · 89.4669° WUpper temple three-room suite
templeVaulted temple suite atop stair with bench and front mask
18.5199° N · 89.4671° W