1991- Pyramids of the Maya

It all started here - our intense interest in all things ancient. From August 24 to September 4, 1991, we discovered a new world 1500 years old - the world of the ancient Maya and the myster ...

2009-02-14T07:25:00Z

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It all started here - our intense interest in all things ancient. From August 24 to September 4, 1991, we discovered a new world 1500 years old - the world of the ancient Maya and the myster ...

We have our good friends Gary and Nancy to thank for our interest in ancient ruins. In 1991, they invited us to join them for a road trip across Mexico - from Tabasco, through Chiapas and t ...

2009-02-14T07:19:33Z

1000places
We have our good friends Gary and Nancy to thank for our interest in ancient ruins. In 1991, they invited us to join them for a road trip across Mexico - from Tabasco, through Chiapas and t ...

VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - We began at the Museum Park of La Venta where the artifacts of the Olmecs - a predecessor culture to the Maya - were on display. Here our traveling companions take a ...

2009-06-12T20:13:07Z

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VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - We began at the Museum Park of La Venta where the artifacts of the Olmecs - a predecessor culture to the Maya - were on display. Here our traveling companions take a ...

VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - This monolithic sculpture of basalt weighs around 25 tons. It was sculpted between 1000 and 800 BC and probably represents an Olmec king wearing a helmet perhaps for ...

2009-06-12T19:36:32Z

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VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - This monolithic sculpture of basalt weighs around 25 tons. It was sculpted between 1000 and 800 BC and probably represents an Olmec king wearing a helmet perhaps for ...

VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - This Olmec statue, called "The Grandmother" from La Venta is thought to represent a dwarf.

2009-02-14T06:55:54Z

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VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - This Olmec statue, called "The Grandmother" from La Venta is thought to represent a dwarf.

VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - Were these strange phallic sculptures the early predecessors of the stelae that would later record the great accomplishments of Classic Maya kings?

2009-06-14T02:39:03Z

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VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - Were these strange phallic sculptures the early predecessors of the stelae that would later record the great accomplishments of Classic Maya kings?

VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - We also saw this crocodile farm in Villahermosa. Crocodiles occupied an exalted place in the Maya pantheon and it is believed they were protected rather than offered ...

2009-06-14T02:18:17Z

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VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - We also saw this crocodile farm in Villahermosa. Crocodiles occupied an exalted place in the Maya pantheon and it is believed they were protected rather than offered ...

VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - Senor de Tabasco Cathedral is the main catholic temple of Villahermosa, located in the same place where the Senor de Esquipulas church - constructed in 1776 - was dest ...

2009-02-14T07:04:10Z

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VILLAHERMOSA, MEXICO - Senor de Tabasco Cathedral is the main catholic temple of Villahermosa, located in the same place where the Senor de Esquipulas church - constructed in 1776 - was dest ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The next morning, with great anticipation, we made our way up a wooded pathway. The fog was just lifting, and we were approaching our first Maya pyramid.

2009-02-14T06:23:12Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The next morning, with great anticipation, we made our way up a wooded pathway. The fog was just lifting, and we were approaching our first Maya pyramid.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - This is the sight that ignited our interest in the Maya. Our first Maya ruin - the Temple of the Inscriptions - appeared almost mystically out of the mist as we approache ...

2009-02-14T07:21:14Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - This is the sight that ignited our interest in the Maya. Our first Maya ruin - the Temple of the Inscriptions - appeared almost mystically out of the mist as we approache ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Palenque is the Maya equivalent of Paris, the most beautiful - and to us, the most inspiring - of all the great Classic Maya cities. Standing on the first foothills of S ...

2009-02-14T07:21:05Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Palenque is the Maya equivalent of Paris, the most beautiful - and to us, the most inspiring - of all the great Classic Maya cities. Standing on the first foothills of S ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - In the heart of Palenque, dominating the site, stands the Temple of Inscriptions. The central stairway leads to the top sanctuary composed of five bays.

2009-06-14T02:38:50Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - In the heart of Palenque, dominating the site, stands the Temple of Inscriptions. The central stairway leads to the top sanctuary composed of five bays.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of Inscriptions got its name from the three stucco panels with hieroglyphic inscriptions that were found on its walls. It rises 75 feet high; the upper chambers ...

2009-02-14T07:03:01Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of Inscriptions got its name from the three stucco panels with hieroglyphic inscriptions that were found on its walls. It rises 75 feet high; the upper chambers ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Maya who oversaw Palenque at its zenith was Pacal the Great (scholars now believe his full name was K'inich J'anaab Pakal). Born in 603, he ascended the throne at age ...

2009-02-14T07:22:05Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Maya who oversaw Palenque at its zenith was Pacal the Great (scholars now believe his full name was K'inich J'anaab Pakal). Born in 603, he ascended the throne at age ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - In 1948, the archaeologist Alberto Ruz was investigating four curious stone plugs in the floor of the upper level of the Temple of Inscriptions. He discovered a secret pa ...

2009-06-14T02:28:44Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - In 1948, the archaeologist Alberto Ruz was investigating four curious stone plugs in the floor of the upper level of the Temple of Inscriptions. He discovered a secret pa ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - It was a tight squeeze at the bottom of the once-hidden stairway as visitors tried to get a peak into the burial chamber of Pacal.

2009-06-14T02:26:28Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - It was a tight squeeze at the bottom of the once-hidden stairway as visitors tried to get a peak into the burial chamber of Pacal.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Positioned in front of the Temple of Inscriptions, the Palace is actually a complex of several connected and adjacent buildings and courtyards built up over several genera ...

2009-06-14T02:45:00Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Positioned in front of the Temple of Inscriptions, the Palace is actually a complex of several connected and adjacent buildings and courtyards built up over several genera ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Built on a giant trapezoidal platform, the Palace is nearly as long as football field. Steam baths and water distribution installations have been found in this building, s ...

2009-06-14T02:28:46Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Built on a giant trapezoidal platform, the Palace is nearly as long as football field. Steam baths and water distribution installations have been found in this building, s ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Palace cluster took on its present form after any number of architectural modifications over more than 400 years. The cluster is dominated by a four-tier watchtower, i ...

2009-02-14T06:25:20Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Palace cluster took on its present form after any number of architectural modifications over more than 400 years. The cluster is dominated by a four-tier watchtower, i ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - One of the carved tablets in a courtyard of the Palace.

2009-02-14T06:58:24Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - One of the carved tablets in a courtyard of the Palace.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of the Count is a small temple on the northern side of Palenque's grand plaza. Also built during Pacal's lifetime, the temple got its modern name after the art ...

2009-02-14T07:20:34Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of the Count is a small temple on the northern side of Palenque's grand plaza. Also built during Pacal's lifetime, the temple got its modern name after the art ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Another view of the Temple of the Count, where Count Waldeck bunked during his stay at Palenque. The Count was an interesting sort - best known for his rather imaginative ...

2009-06-12T19:45:46Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Another view of the Temple of the Count, where Count Waldeck bunked during his stay at Palenque. The Count was an interesting sort - best known for his rather imaginative ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Chan Bahlum, Pacal's eldest son and successor, continued his father's aggressive building program. The three temples known as the "Cross Group", located on a hillside just ...

2009-06-14T03:00:53Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Chan Bahlum, Pacal's eldest son and successor, continued his father's aggressive building program. The three temples known as the "Cross Group", located on a hillside just ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The three temples of the Group of the Cross are (left to right) the Temple of the Foliated Cross (built in 672 AD), the Temple of the Cross (built in 692), and the Temple ...

2009-02-14T07:03:37Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The three temples of the Group of the Cross are (left to right) the Temple of the Foliated Cross (built in 672 AD), the Temple of the Cross (built in 692), and the Temple ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of the Cross is typical of the style of Palenque with an elaborate roofcomb, or cresteria, that crowns its roof.

2009-06-14T02:19:55Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of the Cross is typical of the style of Palenque with an elaborate roofcomb, or cresteria, that crowns its roof.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - On our first foray into the ancient world of the Maya, we learned that if you want to see everything, you have to climb. Here we are climbing to the Temple of the Cross. ...

2009-06-14T02:32:12Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - On our first foray into the ancient world of the Maya, we learned that if you want to see everything, you have to climb. Here we are climbing to the Temple of the Cross. ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Another view of the Temple of the Cross.

2009-02-14T07:14:54Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Another view of the Temple of the Cross.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of the Cross gets its name from the cruciform that appears on a relief carving found inside the structure. In reality however, this cross-like element is a rep ...

2009-02-14T07:22:13Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - The Temple of the Cross gets its name from the cruciform that appears on a relief carving found inside the structure. In reality however, this cross-like element is a rep ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Jeanne stands in the Temple of the Foliated Cross overlooking the Temple of the Cross.

2009-06-12T19:26:31Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Jeanne stands in the Temple of the Foliated Cross overlooking the Temple of the Cross.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Pausing at the top of the Temple of the Foliated Cross, Jeanne had an opportunity to ponder the amazing structures of the Maya.

2009-06-14T02:43:44Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Pausing at the top of the Temple of the Foliated Cross, Jeanne had an opportunity to ponder the amazing structures of the Maya.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - That's me on the left, along with my Mayan mentor Gary.

2009-02-14T07:04:36Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - That's me on the left, along with my Mayan mentor Gary.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - In all too short of a time, we had to leave Palenque, descending from the Temple of the Cross and crossing this narrow foot bridge over an aqueduct the Mayans had built 14 ...

2009-06-12T20:05:19Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - In all too short of a time, we had to leave Palenque, descending from the Temple of the Cross and crossing this narrow foot bridge over an aqueduct the Mayans had built 14 ...

PALENQUE, MEXICO - By the time we took one last look, the fog has dissipated, the clouds had parted, and the sun had emerged. And the Temple of the Inscriptions shown in its full brillance.

2009-02-14T07:24:34Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - By the time we took one last look, the fog has dissipated, the clouds had parted, and the sun had emerged. And the Temple of the Inscriptions shown in its full brillance.

PALENQUE, MEXICO - Our local guides bids us farewell at our first Mayan site - but definitely not our last.

2009-06-14T02:42:05Z

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PALENQUE, MEXICO - Our local guides bids us farewell at our first Mayan site - but definitely not our last.

CHIAPAS, MEXICO - The day after our visit to Palenque, we drove into the nearby mountains to the splashing waterfalls of Aqua Azul.

2009-06-14T02:42:00Z

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CHIAPAS, MEXICO - The day after our visit to Palenque, we drove into the nearby mountains to the splashing waterfalls of Aqua Azul.

CHIAPAS, MEXICO - This sign - though grammatically challenged - certainly got its point across.

2009-06-12T19:40:29Z

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CHIAPAS, MEXICO - This sign - though grammatically challenged - certainly got its point across.

AQUA AZUL, MEXICO - We were adventurous souls back in 1991. You wouldn't find us on a "bridge" like this today.

2009-02-14T06:23:57Z

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AQUA AZUL, MEXICO - We were adventurous souls back in 1991. You wouldn't find us on a "bridge" like this today.

CHIAPAS, MEXICO - Aqua Azul is surrounded by a park and it was a pleasant interlude to walk along the cool wooded pathways, although a certain equilibrium was required.

2009-06-12T19:48:09Z

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CHIAPAS, MEXICO - Aqua Azul is surrounded by a park and it was a pleasant interlude to walk along the cool wooded pathways, although a certain equilibrium was required.

CHIAPAS, MEXICO - At Aqua Azul we met this charming young Mexican girl selling oranges.

2009-06-14T02:41:44Z

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CHIAPAS, MEXICO - At Aqua Azul we met this charming young Mexican girl selling oranges.

UXMAL, MEXICO - A 300-mile drive brought us to the Uxmal Hacienda. When we opened the doors off of our room, greeting us in the fading light of the evening was this scene of a Mayan ruin (th ...

2009-06-14T02:54:42Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - A 300-mile drive brought us to the Uxmal Hacienda. When we opened the doors off of our room, greeting us in the fading light of the evening was this scene of a Mayan ruin (th ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - Approaching the Uxmal site, we realized that what we had seen the evening before was simply the upper portion of a gigantic pyramid - the Pyramid of the Magician.

2009-06-14T02:55:05Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - Approaching the Uxmal site, we realized that what we had seen the evening before was simply the upper portion of a gigantic pyramid - the Pyramid of the Magician.

UXMAL, MEXICO - Still another view of the Pyramid of the Magician. Its rounded edge was unlike any we had seen - or would see - in the ancient Maya world.

2009-06-14T02:30:14Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - Still another view of the Pyramid of the Magician. Its rounded edge was unlike any we had seen - or would see - in the ancient Maya world.

UXMAL, MEXICO - Yet another view of the Pyramid of the Magician. Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatán peninsula, and at its height was home to about 25,000 Maya. Like the other ...

2009-06-12T19:24:08Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - Yet another view of the Pyramid of the Magician. Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatán peninsula, and at its height was home to about 25,000 Maya. Like the other ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - The massive scale of a Maya pyramid becomes most apparent when one stands at the base and looks upward.

2009-02-14T07:19:35Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - The massive scale of a Maya pyramid becomes most apparent when one stands at the base and looks upward.

UXMAL, MEXICO - The Pyramid of the Magician, at 100 feet the tallest structure in Uxmal, is actually named accurately. According to an ancient legend, a magician-god named Itzamna was single ...

2009-06-14T02:33:53Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - The Pyramid of the Magician, at 100 feet the tallest structure in Uxmal, is actually named accurately. According to an ancient legend, a magician-god named Itzamna was single ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - On its eastern side, the Pyramid of the Magician is dominated by a single flight of wide steps that ascend without interruption from the ground to the top. The chain is to a ...

2009-06-14T02:38:51Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - On its eastern side, the Pyramid of the Magician is dominated by a single flight of wide steps that ascend without interruption from the ground to the top. The chain is to a ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Maya would often build a new temple ove ...

2009-02-14T07:04:18Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Maya would often build a new temple ove ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - A complex of buildings, the mis-named Nunnery Quadrangle, seen from the top of the Pyramid of the Magician.

2009-06-12T19:47:43Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - A complex of buildings, the mis-named Nunnery Quadrangle, seen from the top of the Pyramid of the Magician.

UXMAL, MEXICO - Seen through the distinctive corbel arch - a key element of Mayan architecture - is the Palace of the Governor perched on a plateau above the Nunnery Quadrangle.

2009-06-14T02:29:01Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - Seen through the distinctive corbel arch - a key element of Mayan architecture - is the Palace of the Governor perched on a plateau above the Nunnery Quadrangle.

UXMAL, MEXICO - General view of Uxmal seen from the top of the Pyramid of the Magician. On the left is the Governor's Palace, in the center the staircase of the Great Pyramid, and in the fo ...

2009-06-14T02:36:09Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - General view of Uxmal seen from the top of the Pyramid of the Magician. On the left is the Governor's Palace, in the center the staircase of the Great Pyramid, and in the fo ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - The majestic royal facade of the Palace of the Governor. Regarded by many experts as the best example of Puuc architecture in existence, the "Palace" is thought to be one of ...

2009-06-14T02:35:49Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - The majestic royal facade of the Palace of the Governor. Regarded by many experts as the best example of Puuc architecture in existence, the "Palace" is thought to be one of ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - The elaborate frieze on the top of the Governor's Palace shows the intricacy of Mayan artwork, including the depiction of the rattlesnake that was revered in the Mayan cultur ...

2009-06-14T01:54:11Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - The elaborate frieze on the top of the Governor's Palace shows the intricacy of Mayan artwork, including the depiction of the rattlesnake that was revered in the Mayan cultur ...

UXMAL, MEXICO - The Palace of the Governor is an imposing three-level edifice with a 320-ft. long mosaic facade, built in the 9th and 10th centuries.

2009-06-14T02:34:40Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - The Palace of the Governor is an imposing three-level edifice with a 320-ft. long mosaic facade, built in the 9th and 10th centuries.

UXMAL, MEXICO - The Palace of the Governor stands on an artificial raised platform with an altar with a double-headed jaguar throne to one side.

2009-06-14T02:42:01Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - The Palace of the Governor stands on an artificial raised platform with an altar with a double-headed jaguar throne to one side.

UXMAL, MEXICO - A closer view of the Jaguar Throne, carved like a two-headed jaguar, which the Mayas associated with kings.

2009-02-14T06:55:53Z

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UXMAL, MEXICO - A closer view of the Jaguar Throne, carved like a two-headed jaguar, which the Mayas associated with kings.

KABAH, MEXICO - One of the great aspects of our 1991 roadtrip along Highway 261 through the Yucatan was that every few miles we would see a sign with a pyramid icon, something like the grape ...

2009-06-14T02:27:50Z

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KABAH, MEXICO - One of the great aspects of our 1991 roadtrip along Highway 261 through the Yucatan was that every few miles we would see a sign with a pyramid icon, something like the grape ...

KABAH, MEXICO - There is evidence that Kabah was inhabited as early as 250 BC. It reached its splendor in the 8th and 9th centuries AD. A sculpted date on a doorjam of one of the buildings ...

2009-06-14T02:39:17Z

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KABAH, MEXICO - There is evidence that Kabah was inhabited as early as 250 BC. It reached its splendor in the 8th and 9th centuries AD. A sculpted date on a doorjam of one of the buildings ...

KABAH, MEXICO - Originally the Palace of Masks, half the length of a football field, was covered with 260 identical effigies of the rain god Chac with big round eyes and protruding, curled n ...

2009-06-14T02:35:28Z

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KABAH, MEXICO - Originally the Palace of Masks, half the length of a football field, was covered with 260 identical effigies of the rain god Chac with big round eyes and protruding, curled n ...

KABAH, MEXICO - The Palace of Masks is also known as the Codz Poop, meaning "Rolled Matting", from the pattern of the stone mosaics. This massive repetition of a single set of elements is un ...

2009-06-12T19:33:09Z

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KABAH, MEXICO - The Palace of Masks is also known as the Codz Poop, meaning "Rolled Matting", from the pattern of the stone mosaics. This massive repetition of a single set of elements is un ...

KABAH, MEXICO - When we visited Kabah, workers were busy hoisting stones to the structure's top level in an ongoing restoration project.

2009-06-12T19:34:36Z

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KABAH, MEXICO - When we visited Kabah, workers were busy hoisting stones to the structure's top level in an ongoing restoration project.

KABAH, MEXICO - We had arrived at Kabah in the early morning as the sun was just beginning to emerge from the clouds.

2009-06-12T19:33:55Z

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KABAH, MEXICO - We had arrived at Kabah in the early morning as the sun was just beginning to emerge from the clouds.

KABAH, MEXICO - Although it is one of the least publicized Maya sites, Kabah and its magnificant Palace of the Masks was one of the most intriquing sites we encountered on our roadtrip throu ...

2009-06-14T02:50:09Z

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KABAH, MEXICO - Although it is one of the least publicized Maya sites, Kabah and its magnificant Palace of the Masks was one of the most intriquing sites we encountered on our roadtrip throu ...

SAYIL, MEXICO - Not far from Kabah are the ruins of Sayil. Again, we followed a small sign displaying only a simple pyramid icon. We parked in a farmer's field across from the site and aft ...

2009-02-14T07:14:53Z

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SAYIL, MEXICO - Not far from Kabah are the ruins of Sayil. Again, we followed a small sign displaying only a simple pyramid icon. We parked in a farmer's field across from the site and aft ...

SAYIL, MEXICO - We found the site to be small and quiet. During the Late-Classic period the city had 9000 inhabitants. El Palacio (670-1000 AD) with its 85-meter-long facade and three storie ...

2009-06-14T02:35:25Z

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SAYIL, MEXICO - We found the site to be small and quiet. During the Late-Classic period the city had 9000 inhabitants. El Palacio (670-1000 AD) with its 85-meter-long facade and three storie ...

SAYIL, MEXICO - A central stairway links its three levels of vaulted room. There are 50 rooms in the building.

2009-06-12T19:27:33Z

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SAYIL, MEXICO - A central stairway links its three levels of vaulted room. There are 50 rooms in the building.

SAYIL, MEXICO - A distinctive feature of the architecture at Sayil are the round, monolithic columns. These were the only such columns used in the main structure of a temple that we were to ...

2009-02-14T07:22:46Z

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SAYIL, MEXICO - A distinctive feature of the architecture at Sayil are the round, monolithic columns. These were the only such columns used in the main structure of a temple that we were to ...

MERIDA, MEXICO - We traveled on to Merida at the hub of the giant "thumb" that comprises the Yucatan. The Spanish claim they "founded" Merida in 1542, but there had been a Mayan settlement ...

2009-06-14T02:47:37Z

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MERIDA, MEXICO - We traveled on to Merida at the hub of the giant "thumb" that comprises the Yucatan. The Spanish claim they "founded" Merida in 1542, but there had been a Mayan settlement ...

MERIDA, MEXICO - Merida is the capital city of the state of Yucatan. This traditional city still depicts much of the lifestyle of colonial Mexico.

2009-06-14T02:34:36Z

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MERIDA, MEXICO - Merida is the capital city of the state of Yucatan. This traditional city still depicts much of the lifestyle of colonial Mexico.

MERIDA, MEXICO - Merida is know as "White City" because of the large use of white limestone and white paint.

2009-06-14T02:42:20Z

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MERIDA, MEXICO - Merida is know as "White City" because of the large use of white limestone and white paint.

MERIDA, MEXICO - The day we were in the city, the central plaza was swarming with people and the vendors were hard at work selling everything from ice cream to balloons.

2009-06-14T02:53:51Z

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MERIDA, MEXICO - The day we were in the city, the central plaza was swarming with people and the vendors were hard at work selling everything from ice cream to balloons.

MERIDA, MEXICO - This little boy seemed unsure as to which balloon was his favorite...

2009-06-14T02:32:10Z

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MERIDA, MEXICO - This little boy seemed unsure as to which balloon was his favorite...

MERIDA, MEXICO: ...while this youngster was more intriqued by the gringo with the camera than the musicians playing in the plaza behind him....

2009-02-14T07:22:04Z

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MERIDA, MEXICO: ...while this youngster was more intriqued by the gringo with the camera than the musicians playing in the plaza behind him....

MERIDA, MEXICO: ....and this little girl was obviously heading to the festivities decked out in her finest pink outfit, bow in her hair but letting her mother carry her matching purse.

2009-06-14T02:47:10Z

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MERIDA, MEXICO: ....and this little girl was obviously heading to the festivities decked out in her finest pink outfit, bow in her hair but letting her mother carry her matching purse.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - A long drive across the Yucatan brought us to Chichen Itza which probably can lay claim to the most recognizable -- and photographed -- structure in the ancient Mayan ...

2009-02-14T07:21:05Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - A long drive across the Yucatan brought us to Chichen Itza which probably can lay claim to the most recognizable -- and photographed -- structure in the ancient Mayan ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The Castillo measures 180 feet on each side and rises nearly 100 feet high.

2009-06-14T02:58:28Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The Castillo measures 180 feet on each side and rises nearly 100 feet high.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - It was the practice in Mayan cities to periodically build larger and grander temple pyramids atop older ones, and this is one such example. There is an earlier versio ...

2009-02-14T07:13:59Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - It was the practice in Mayan cities to periodically build larger and grander temple pyramids atop older ones, and this is one such example. There is an earlier versio ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - a person standing on the top step of El Castillo can speak in a normal voice and be heard by those at ground level for some distance. Imagine 1500 years ago a high pri ...

2009-06-12T19:45:43Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - a person standing on the top step of El Castillo can speak in a normal voice and be heard by those at ground level for some distance. Imagine 1500 years ago a high pri ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The giant El Castillo pyramid is impressive from just about any angle.

2009-02-14T07:01:22Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The giant El Castillo pyramid is impressive from just about any angle.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - A young tourist tries to keep up with his mother with El Castillo in the background. We wonder if he realizes that his ancestors were responsible for constructing the ...

2009-02-14T07:22:39Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - A young tourist tries to keep up with his mother with El Castillo in the background. We wonder if he realizes that his ancestors were responsible for constructing the ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - We, too, took on the challenge of climbing the narrow steps of El Castillo. This was in 1991. At some point later, following a fatal fall from the top (probably by a ...

2009-06-14T02:37:00Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - We, too, took on the challenge of climbing the narrow steps of El Castillo. This was in 1991. At some point later, following a fatal fall from the top (probably by a ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - From the top of El Castillo, we had a good view of the Temple of Warriors, flanked by the Thousand Columns. Note the mound immediately to the left of the Temple. Alth ...

2009-06-14T02:37:55Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - From the top of El Castillo, we had a good view of the Temple of Warriors, flanked by the Thousand Columns. Note the mound immediately to the left of the Temple. Alth ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The rows of pillars adjacent to the Temple of Warriors has created arguments among Mayanists for years. Some contend they are the remains of barracks for Mayan soldie ...

2009-02-14T07:23:44Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The rows of pillars adjacent to the Temple of Warriors has created arguments among Mayanists for years. Some contend they are the remains of barracks for Mayan soldie ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The upper entrance at the top of the Temple of Warriors is guarded by a Chac-Mool. It is believed that offerings were placed on the stomach of the reclining figure who ...

2009-06-12T19:34:59Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The upper entrance at the top of the Temple of Warriors is guarded by a Chac-Mool. It is believed that offerings were placed on the stomach of the reclining figure who ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - For more than a thousand years, the Chac-Mool has looked out at the great Pyramid of Kukulkan.

2009-02-14T07:24:39Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - For more than a thousand years, the Chac-Mool has looked out at the great Pyramid of Kukulkan.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Another reason for the name "Temple of Warriors" is that carved on the square columns at the top of the pyramid are images of Mayan warriors.

2009-02-14T07:00:57Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Another reason for the name "Temple of Warriors" is that carved on the square columns at the top of the pyramid are images of Mayan warriors.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Jeanne found that the top step of the Temple of Warriors with its panoramic view of Chichen Itza was the perfect place to consult her guidebook.

2009-06-14T02:41:47Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Jeanne found that the top step of the Temple of Warriors with its panoramic view of Chichen Itza was the perfect place to consult her guidebook.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - This pathway led from the main plaza to the Ball Court, the largest in the Mayan world. Games in the Ball Court were used to settle disputes or as an offering to the ...

2009-06-14T02:26:41Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - This pathway led from the main plaza to the Ball Court, the largest in the Mayan world. Games in the Ball Court were used to settle disputes or as an offering to the ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The Great Ballcourt of Chichén Itzá is 545 feet long and 225 feet wide overall. There are eight other much smaller ball courts at Chichén Itzá and more in other Maya ...

2009-06-14T02:51:22Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The Great Ballcourt of Chichén Itzá is 545 feet long and 225 feet wide overall. There are eight other much smaller ball courts at Chichén Itzá and more in other Maya ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - One of the carved stone tablets inside the ball court depicts a Mayan ball player. Note what appears to be a face mask - prehaps the predecessor to the football helme ...

2009-02-14T06:58:50Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - One of the carved stone tablets inside the ball court depicts a Mayan ball player. Note what appears to be a face mask - prehaps the predecessor to the football helme ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Although hard to pick out, this is an image of a Mayan king holding the severed head of a victim (note the carving of blood spurting from the victim's head to the left ...

2009-06-14T02:31:39Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Although hard to pick out, this is an image of a Mayan king holding the severed head of a victim (note the carving of blood spurting from the victim's head to the left ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Built into one of the exterior walls of the ballcourt is the Temple of the Jaguar...

2009-06-14T02:38:29Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Built into one of the exterior walls of the ballcourt is the Temple of the Jaguar...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Inside the Temple of the Jaguar is another jaguar throne, similar to one found in El Castillo, however since this one was exposed to the elements for a thousand years, ...

2009-06-14T02:27:58Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Inside the Temple of the Jaguar is another jaguar throne, similar to one found in El Castillo, however since this one was exposed to the elements for a thousand years, ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Carved images of the rattlesnake are everywhere at Chichen Itza, including this one that sometime in antiquity had fallen from a temple.

2009-06-14T02:33:55Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Carved images of the rattlesnake are everywhere at Chichen Itza, including this one that sometime in antiquity had fallen from a temple.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Another rattlesnake image carved as an ornamental decoration protruding from a Mayan wall.

2009-02-14T06:58:06Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Another rattlesnake image carved as an ornamental decoration protruding from a Mayan wall.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Jeanne examines one of the many rattlesnake carvings at Chichen Itza.

2009-02-14T07:02:34Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Jeanne examines one of the many rattlesnake carvings at Chichen Itza.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Perhaps my favorite rattlesnake carving, this one shows a Mayan emerging from the jaws of a rattlesnake. Was this a king associating himself with the sacred rattlesna ...

2009-02-14T07:19:06Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Perhaps my favorite rattlesnake carving, this one shows a Mayan emerging from the jaws of a rattlesnake. Was this a king associating himself with the sacred rattlesna ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - To the southern area of the ruins, one of the most impressive structures is the Caracol, named for its curved inner stairway reminiscent of a snail (the Spanish word f ...

2009-02-14T07:00:12Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - To the southern area of the ruins, one of the most impressive structures is the Caracol, named for its curved inner stairway reminiscent of a snail (the Spanish word f ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - In one of the older sections of the site, a good example can be seen of how the Mayans built new temples and pyramids over older ones. Inside the collapsed wall can b ...

2009-02-14T07:23:30Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - In one of the older sections of the site, a good example can be seen of how the Mayans built new temples and pyramids over older ones. Inside the collapsed wall can b ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The Maya name "Chich'en Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza". A walk along an ancient Mayan road called a sacbe led us to the Sacred Cenote. A cenote is ...

2009-02-14T07:01:24Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - The Maya name "Chich'en Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza". A walk along an ancient Mayan road called a sacbe led us to the Sacred Cenote. A cenote is ...

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Jeanne looks over the steep 200-foot drop into the dark green waters of the Sacred Cenote and wonders about those tales of Mayan sacrifices.

2009-06-12T20:19:48Z

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CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO - Jeanne looks over the steep 200-foot drop into the dark green waters of the Sacred Cenote and wonders about those tales of Mayan sacrifices.