Uxul — Pyramid M1 and Acropolis Pyramid (Calakmul Biosphere, Campeche, Mexico)
Uxul · Structure M1 · K2 Pyramid of Uxul
Preclassic to Late Classic (100 BCE–900 CE)·Maya (Kaan polity satellite)·🇲🇽 Campeche, Calakmul Municipality, Mexico
About
About Uxul — Pyramid M1 and Acropolis Pyramid (Calakmul Biosphere, Campeche, Mexico)
Hugely sprawling 4 km² Late Classic centre (250–900 CE) between Tikal and Calakmul, dominated by Pyramid M1 (30x25 m, 14 m high with roof comb) and K2 double pyramid acropolis (two 12 m pyramids on shared platform). Uxul is famed for 2013 discovery of undisturbed royal tomb of young prince with jade mosaic covering, inside K2 pyramid, confirming Calakmul sub-kingdom. Extensive water management (aguadas/catchments) interpreted via LiDAR; University of Bonn excavations show massive population sustaining upland bajos.
Why it mattersProves Calakmul–Tikal rivalry petty-kingdom network; best preserved water system in Maya lowlands.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Identity of buried prince — Calakmul heir?
Theories
- 01Uxul as hydraulic fortress between superpowers; LiDAR shows field systems preventing drought collapse earlier than Tikal
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.100 BCE–900 CE, peak Late Classic 600–800 CE
- Period
- Preclassic to Late Classic (100 BCE–900 CE)
- Culture
- Maya (Kaan polity satellite)
- Builders
- Maya (Calakmul dynastic sphere)
- Purpose
- Sub-royal pyramid town governing water catchment and road between Calakmul and Tikal fronts
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.100 BCE–900 CE, peak Late Classic 600–800 CE
Initial construction
c. 1193 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
17.8570° N · 89.9820° W · 320 m · 2 mapped features
Pyramid M1 (central pyramid)
pyramid14 m stepped pyramid on west central plaza
17.8570° N · 89.9820° WAcropolis K2 double pyramid
double pyramidPair of 12 m pyramids sharing platform, eastern acropolis with prince tomb
17.8578° N · 89.9810° W