Yaxchilán — Structure 33 North Ancillary Altar
Yaxchilan Altar N
Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)·Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom; Maya·🇲🇽 Chiapas, Yaxchilán, Mexico
About
About Yaxchilán — Structure 33 North Ancillary Altar
Yaxchilán — Structure 33 North Ancillary Altar in Chiapas, Yaxchilán, Mexico is a Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE) pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom. Systematic survey and coring document ceramic seriation. The site includes a principal citadel and domestic quarter. Dimensions base 22.5 m × 22.5 m; height 12 m; inclination 52°; area 13.2 ha. Excavation excavated; condition preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom pyramid with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 120 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Relation to regional network
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Elite residence hypothesis
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 BCE
- Period
- Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom; Maya
- Builders
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Funerary monument and ritual complex
- Rediscovered
- 1947
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 863 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1952
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1473 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
16.9000° N · 90.9700° W · 120 m · 3 mapped features
Main Pyramid Core
pyramidMain Pyramid Core at Yaxchilán — Structure 33 North Ancillary Altar — pyramid with stratified deposits
16.9018° N · 90.9679° WMortuary Chapel
chapelMortuary Chapel at Yaxchilán — Structure 33 North Ancillary Altar — chapel with stratified deposits
16.8981° N · 90.9707° WCauseway Segment
causewayCauseway Segment at Yaxchilán — Structure 33 North Ancillary Altar — causeway with stratified deposits
16.9017° N · 90.9677° W