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Tour the Ruins of Ek Balam Please wait for slide show to load
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Discover one of the Most Exciting Archaeological Treasures in the Maya World Ek Balam (Black Jaguar) is a relatively recent archaeological excavation emerging as one of the most impressive classic sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. In its 12 square kilometers it encompasses 5 prehispanic roads and 45 structures. The acropolis, 158 meters long, 68 meters wide and 32 meters tall, is the largest in the Yucatan, and includes an intricate system of stairways, passages, rooms and temples as well as an astonishing façade of almost perfectly preserved high relief work and stucco sculptures. Identified by glyphs as "the White House of Reading", it is decorated with menacing symbols of the underworld, fish, flowers and "angels" as well as the massive, gaping mouth of the Earth Monster, edged with fangs the size of a forearm. It opens to a room once occupied by a great king, Ukit Kan Le´k Tok´, identified by glyphs as "the king of kings", "ballplayer/warrior" and "First from the Heaven". In his tomb, in the same structure, was found some 7,000 items, from a golden frog, to delicately carved shells and obsidian blades. Stella glyphs says that the influence of Ukit Kan le´k Tok´continued after his death and he was revered as a divine ancestor. It is certain that the city he helped build, asleep for many centuries in the middle of the jungle, is awakening little by little before the eyes of the world. Enjoy the tranquil energy and natural beauty of this spectacular site. |
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