The ancient Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced and sophisticated in the pre-Columbian Americas. They were skilled mathematicians, astronomers, and builders, and their temples are some of the most impressive and enduring structures in the world.
Today, there are many Mayan temples that visitors can explore and marvel at. Here are 10 of the most beautiful ancient Mayan temples:
- Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal is one of the largest and most important Mayan ruins in the world. It was a major city-state during the Classic period (250-900 AD), and its temples are some of the tallest and most impressive in the Mayan world.
The most famous temple at Tikal is the Temple of the Jaguar, which rises over 230 feet into the air. Other notable temples include the Temple of the Masks and the Temple of the Two Headed Serpent.
- Palenque, Mexico
Palenque is another important Mayan city-state, located in the Chiapas region of Mexico. It is known for its well-preserved temples and palaces, as well as its intricate sculptures and reliefs.
The most famous temple at Palenque is the Temple of the Inscriptions, which houses the tomb of King Pakal the Great. Other notable temples include the Temple of the Warriors and the Temple of the Skull.
- Caracol, Belize
Caracol is a Mayan city-state located in the western lowlands of Belize. It was one of the most powerful Mayan cities during the Classic period, and its ruins are some of the most impressive in the region.
The most famous temple at Caracol is the Caana, which is the tallest Mayan temple in Belize. Other notable temples include the Chik Naab and the Sky Palace.
- Lamanai, Belize
Lamanai is a Mayan city-state located in the northern lowlands of Belize. It is one of the oldest Mayan cities, and its ruins are some of the most extensive in the region.
The most famous temple at Lamanai is the High Temple, which rises over 130 feet into the air. Other notable temples include the Temple of the Mask and the Jaguar Temple.
- Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is one of the most famous Mayan ruins in the world. It is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and it was a major center of Mayan culture during the Post-Classic period (900-1521 AD).
The most famous temple at Chichen Itza is El Castillo, a massive pyramid that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Other notable temples include the Temple of the Warriors and the Great Ball Court.
- Uxmal, Mexico
Uxmal is a Mayan city-state located in the Puuc region of Mexico. It is known for its unique architectural style, which is characterized by its intricate geometric designs.
The most famous temple at Uxmal is the Governor’s Palace, which is one of the largest and most ornate Mayan buildings in the world. Other notable temples include the Pyramid of the Magician and the House of the Turtles.
- Calakmul, Mexico
Calakmul is a Mayan city-state located in the Campeche region of Mexico. It is one of the largest Mayan cities, and its ruins are some of the most remote in the Mayan world.
The most famous temple at Calakmul is the Gran Piramide, which is the tallest Mayan pyramid in the world. Other notable temples include the Estructura II and the Estructura III.
- Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is a Mayan city-state located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It is known for its stunning location and its well-preserved temples and fortifications.
The most famous temple at Tulum is El Castillo, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Other notable temples include the Temple of the Frescoes and the Great Wall.
- Copan, Honduras
Copan is a Mayan city-state located in the western highlands of Honduras. It is known for its intricate sculptures and reliefs, which are some of the finest examples of Mayan art.
The most famous temple at Copan is the Acropolis, which is a complex of temples and plazas that is the heart of the city. Other notable temples include the Hieroglyphic Stairway and the Temple of the Ballplayers.
Coba, Mexico
- Coba, Mexico
Coba is a Mayan city-state located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is known for its large pyramids and its extensive network of sacbeob, or raised causeways.
The most famous temple at Coba is the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which is the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Other notable temples include the Macanxoc pyramid and the Iglesia pyramid.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many beautiful ancient Mayan temples that visitors can explore today. Each temple is unique and tells a story about the rich and complex Mayan civilization. If you are interested in learning more about the Mayans, I highly recommend visiting one of their many ruins.