Kohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze
Kohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze North Annex · Kohunlich Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇲🇽 Quintana Roo, Kohunlich, Mexico
About
About Kohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze
Kohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze in Quintana Roo, Kohunlich, Mexico is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 18.4190N -88.7850E controls access to Quintana Roo resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Quintana Roo, Kohunlich, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1960 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Kohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze main structure
c. 1940
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
2000–2015
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Kohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
18.4190° N · 88.7850° W · 360 m · 4 mapped features
Kohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
18.4198° N · 88.7841° WKohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
18.4180° N · 88.7857° WKohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
18.4205° N · 88.7838° WKohunlich Temple of Masks East Frieze — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
18.4174° N · 88.7861° W