Calakmul — Structure I (East Acropolis Pyramid)
Maya Early to Late Classic, c.250–900 CE (I: c.400 CE, rebuild 600–700)·Maya (Kanul / Snake dynasty)·🇲🇽 Campeche, Calakmul Biosphere, Mexico
About
About Calakmul — Structure I (East Acropolis Pyramid)
East Acropolis pyramid Structure I (? not largest Structure II 55 m, but I is 40 m) at Calakmul (c.250–900 CE, Classic megapower, rival of Tikal). 40 m high step pyramid with base 80 m; stair on west faces Great Plaza, stelae row at foot. INAH William Folan excavations; tomb of Yuknoom Took K'awil inside, jade mosaic mask. UNESCO Ancient Maya City Calakmul 1061.
Why it mattersSnake Kingdom capital's second-largest pyramid; Tikal's Peer Polity.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Structure I vs II dynastic rivalry dating
Theories
- 01Calakmul–Tikal Superpower confrontation reflected in pair pyramids
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.400 CE foundation, 600–700 CE height
- Period
- Maya Early to Late Classic, c.250–900 CE (I: c.400 CE, rebuild 600–700)
- Culture
- Maya (Kanul / Snake dynasty)
- Builders
- Maya (Calakmul Kanul lords)
- Purpose
- Dynastic pyramid — ancestral shrine and tomb of Yuknoom Took K'awil (?)
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.400 CE foundation, 600–700 CE height
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
18.1050° N · 89.8100° W · 270 m · 2 mapped features
Summit temple and vaulted chambers
templeUpper temple with three chambers and roof comb fragments
18.1051° N · 89.8099° WNorth stela plaza and altar row
stelaeRow of stelae with Long Count inscriptions at foot west side
18.1049° N · 89.8101° W