Uxmal Yucatan 1860

• Brand:1800techgallery.com
• Model:Uxmal Yucatan 1860
• Price:$59.99 USD

Technical Sheet

Description:

Views of Uxmal Yucatan Mexico 1860 / Vistas de Uxmal Yucatan. German Engraving.

Uxmal is a ruined ancient Mayan city about 50 miles (80 km) south of modern Mérida, Yucatán state, Mexico. The site is the most important representative of the Puuc architectural style that flourished in the Late Classic Period (AD 600-900). Quite probably this style and the northern Maya lowland culture continued in full vigour for a century or so after the decline and abandonment of the southern Maya lowland centres such as Tikal, Palenque, and Uaxactún. After about 1000, when the Toltec (or Toltec-inspired) invaders arrived in Yucatán and established their capital at Chichén Itzá, major construction in the city ceased. According to Maya legendary history, however, Uxmal continued to be occupied and was a participant in the political League of Mayapán. When the league ended, Uxmal, like the other great cities of the north, was abandoned (c. 1450). Before abandonment, the ruling family of the city, like the Itzá of Chichén or the Cocom of Mayapán, were the Tutul Xius. The site of Uxmal is a dry grass savanna area, but the surrounding region is heavily forested. Water was furnished by wells (cenotes) within the city or by rain-collecting pools to the west, in which breed malarial mosquitoes. The ruins cover about 160 acres (60 hectares), but remains of the residential districts of the city cover considerably more ground. Limestone was used in construction, and most surfaces were finished with plaster. Stones were cut and fitted so expertly that in many cases the mortar is not visible. The main buildings are the Temple of the Magician, atop a huge pyramid; the Nunnery Quadrangle, consisting of four rectangular buildings, probably the quarters of the priests; the Governor's Palace, erected on a triple terrace; the House of Turtles, a smaller building so called from its frieze of sculptured turtles; and the House of Pigeons, also a quadrangle, one building of which resembles a huge dovecote.