Puuc in the Mayan language means “hilly.” The Puuc region is located on the territory of the Mexican states of Yucatan and Campeche. The region also got its name from the architectural style of its cities, with its capital city of Uxmal.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaPuuc in the Mayan language means “hilly.” The Puuc region is located on the territory of the Mexican states of Yucatan and Campeche. The region also got its name from the architectural style of its cities, with its capital city of Uxmal.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
Puuc in the Mayan language means “hilly.” The Puuc region is located on the territory of the Mexican states of Yucatan and Campeche. The region also got its name from the architectural style of its cities, with its capital city of Uxmal.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaThe largest settlement built in the Puuc style is Uxmal – one of the architectural jewels of the Mayan civilization. In the language of the Maya, Uxmal means “built three times.”
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
The largest settlement built in the Puuc style is Uxmal – one of the architectural jewels of the Mayan civilization. In the language of the Maya, Uxmal means “built three times.”
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaTourists first encounter the one-of-a-kind Pyramid of the Magician, which rests on an oval base. The restored pyramid is a ritual complex that includes five different temples.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
Tourists first encounter the one-of-a-kind Pyramid of the Magician, which rests on an oval base. The restored pyramid is a ritual complex that includes five different temples.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaThe steep western staircase is decorated with symbolic images of Chaaka, the god of rain and fertility.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
The steep western staircase is decorated with symbolic images of Chaaka, the god of rain and fertility.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaThe Great Pyramid, which consists of nine levels and is 30 meters high, is located to the east of the city. The staircase of 66 steps leads to the summit of the Temple of the Parrots (Templo de Guacamayas).
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
The Great Pyramid, which consists of nine levels and is 30 meters high, is located to the east of the city. The staircase of 66 steps leads to the summit of the Temple of the Parrots (Templo de Guacamayas).
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaThe facade of the temple is decorated with images of various animals – mostly parrots, which in Mayan mythology symbolize fire and the sun.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
The facade of the temple is decorated with images of various animals – mostly parrots, which in Mayan mythology symbolize fire and the sun.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaOne of the greatest achievements in the Puuc architectural style is the Ruler's Palace, built on an artificial terrace. The upper part of the facade of the palace is covered with a mosaic of more than 20,000 patterned tiles.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
One of the greatest achievements in the Puuc architectural style is the Ruler's Palace, built on an artificial terrace. The upper part of the facade of the palace is covered with a mosaic of more than 20,000 patterned tiles.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaThe front of the palace is a ceremonial altar with four staircases. A sculpture of a two-headed jaguar that archaeologists found nearby is mounted on the altar. The sculpture is associated with the power of rulers in Mayan mythology.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
The front of the palace is a ceremonial altar with four staircases. A sculpture of a two-headed jaguar that archaeologists found nearby is mounted on the altar. The sculpture is associated with the power of rulers in Mayan mythology.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaAnother important religious and cultural hub of the Puuc region is Kabah, a settlement nestled in the hills southeast of Uxmal.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
Another important religious and cultural hub of the Puuc region is Kabah, a settlement nestled in the hills southeast of Uxmal.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaThe centerpiece of Kabah is the Palace of Masks is, or the Temple of the Rolled Mats (Codz Poop). Its facade is decorated with hundreds of symbolic images of Chaaka, the god of rain.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
The centerpiece of Kabah is the Palace of Masks is, or the Temple of the Rolled Mats (Codz Poop). Its facade is decorated with hundreds of symbolic images of Chaaka, the god of rain.
© RIA Novosti . Tatiana PanovaThe last rays of the setting sun are reflected on the crest of the El Mirador observation tower. Scientists believe that the Maya used the rectangular hole in the crest for calendar calculations.
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© RIA Novosti . Tatiana Panova
The last rays of the setting sun are reflected on the crest of the El Mirador observation tower. Scientists believe that the Maya used the rectangular hole in the crest for calendar calculations.