Uaxactun — Structure E-VII, Group E Astronomical Pyramid
Maya Preclassic to Early Classic, c.500 BCE–300 CE·Maya (Preclassic Lowland)·🇬🇹 Petén Department, El Petén Lowlands, Guatemala
About
About Uaxactun — Structure E-VII, Group E Astronomical Pyramid
Pyramid E-VII-sub in Uaxactun Group E (c.500 BCE–200 CE, Preclassic–Early Classic). Eastern triadic platform of the canonical E-Group solar observatory: western pyramid E-VII aligned to three eastern temples (E-I, E-II, E-III) marking solstices and equinoxes. Carnegie Institution (Ricketson 1926) revealed 8 superimposed temples within E-VII, earliest radial platform in Petén with stucco masks.
Why it mattersType-site of Maya E-Group; earliest astronomical architecture in lowlands.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01E-Group solar accuracy vs ceremonial function debate (Aveni vs Aimers)
Theories
- 01Political ceremonial theatre for katun endings
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 BCE first version (E-VII-sub), rebuilt to 200 CE
- Period
- Maya Preclassic to Early Classic, c.500 BCE–300 CE
- Culture
- Maya (Preclassic Lowland)
- Builders
- Maya (Uaxactun dynasts)
- Purpose
- Solar observatory and ritual platform — E-Group astronomical complex
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.400 BCE first version (E-VII-sub), rebuilt to 200 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
17.3913° N · 89.6295° W · 230 m · 2 mapped features
Pyramid E-VII-sub inner temple (8 phases)
pyramidInnermost radial temple with four stairways and giant stucco masks
17.3913° N · 89.6294° WEastern triadic range E-I — E-II — E-III (equinox-sunrise line)
platformThree eastern pyramids aligning sunrise at solstices/equinox viewed from E-VII
17.3911° N · 89.6290° W