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My Dream Home in Historic Mérida, the Ancient Spanish Capital of México's Yucatán

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                                                                                              Uxmal


Uxmal, just 45 minutes south of Mérida, is acclaimed as one of the architectural masterpieces of the Maya civilisation. The Great Pyramid, the Palace of the Governors, the House of the Magician and the Nunnery Quadrangle are magnificent structures and the extensive restoration of the site gives visitors a spectacular experience and idea of the scope and grandeur of this powerful city. Uxmal was at its height between 800 and 1000 AD, although its decline did not apparently come as a result of the rise of Chichén-Itzá in the east.




 

                                                                              The House of the Magician



The bulk of the structures we see today are thought to be the homes of a large and powerful elite class. Archaeologists can only guess at how many thousands of peasants, living in the surrounding countryside, were commanded by these Warrior Nobles. Exquisite carvings, mosacis and other decorations cover the buildings, which represent some of the finest in what is known as the Puuc Architectural style. Some very fine carved stelae have been discovered here, and the study of their inscriptions and those on the buildings themselves, has played an important role in the ongoing interpretation of Maya writing. Most Maya numbers, more than half of their alphabet, and many other important symbols, or glyphs, have now been deciphered, and the evidence from Uxmal has provided essential clues in solving this ancient mystery.                              VIDEO TOUR click on 480p for best picture
Paradoxically, not much is known about the civilisation here. Only one ruler, Lord Chaac, has been specifically identified. The people may have been less war-like than some of their cousins in other Maya City States, as there are few of the monuments and inscriptions celebrating victory in battle that are so prevalent in other sites. Being reasonably close to the coast, Uxmal probably engaged in considerable trade. Agriculture and perhaps salt production were other key industries. 


The buildings are heroic in scope and majesty, yet are coverd with gorgeous, finely detailed art. The entire site is imbued with a rare power, as if the spirits of the Maya Nobles are whispering the epic secrets of their Ancient world to today's visitors. It is thought the city was abandoned after drought forced the people to leave.

 

 

                

                                                              










   



The Nunnery Quadrangle


The New State of the Art Sound and Light Show - November 2009