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Uxmal

Uxmal
Uxmal Pyramid of the Magician.jpg
Uxmal is located in Mesoamerica
Uxmal
Location within Mesoamerica
Alternate name Óoxmáal
Location YucatánMexico
Region Yucatán
Coordinates 20°21′34″N 89°46′17″W / 20.35944°N 89.77139°W / 20.35944; -89.77139
History
Periods Late Classic to Terminal Classic
Cultures Maya civilization
Official name Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
Type Cultural
Criteria i, ii, iii
Designated 1996 (20th session)
Reference no. 791
State Party Mexico
Region Latin America and the Caribbean

Uxmal (Yucatec Maya: Óoxmáal [óˑʃmáˑl]) is an ancient Maya city of the classical period in present-day Mexico. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Maya culture, along with Palenque, Chichén, and Calakmul in Mexico, Caracol and Xunantunich in Belize, and Tikal in Guatemala. It is located in the Puuc region and is considered one of the Maya cities most representative of the region's dominant architectural style. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its significance.

It is located 62 km south of Mérida, capital of Yucatán state in Mexico. Its buildings are noted for their size and decoration. Ancient roads called sacbes connect the buildings, and also were built to other cities in the area such as Chichén Itzá in modern-day Mexico, Caracol and Xunantunich in modern-day Belize, and Tikal in modern-day Guatemala.

Its buildings are typical of the Riley Kand Puuc style, with smooth low walls that open on ornate friezes based on representations of typical Maya huts. These are represented by columns (representing the reeds used for the walls of the huts) and trapezoidal shapes (representing the thatched roofs). Entwined snakes and, in many cases two-headed snakes are used for masks of the rain god, Chaac; its big noses represent the rays of the storms. Feathered serpents with open fangs are shown leaving from the same human beings. Also seen in some cities are the influences of the Nahua, who followed the cult of Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc. These were integrated with the original elements of the Puuc tradition.


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