Yaxchilan

Q'Yaxchilan
Structure 33 at Yaxchilan
Yaxchilan is located in Mesoamerica
Yaxchilan
Location of the site
Yaxchilan is located in Mexico
Yaxchilan
Yaxchilan (Mexico)
LocationChiapas, Mexico
Coordinates16°54′N 90°58′W / 16.900°N 90.967°W / 16.900; -90.967
TypeSettlement
History
CulturesMaya civilization
Site notes
ConditionIn ruins

Yaxchilan (pronounced [ʝaʃtʃiˈlan]) is an ancient Maya city located on the bank of the Usumacinta River in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. In the Late Classic Period Yaxchilan was one of the most powerful Maya states along the course of the Usumacinta River, with Piedras Negras as its major rival.[1] Architectural styles in subordinate sites in the Usumacinta region demonstrate clear differences that mark a clear boundary between the two kingdoms.[1]

Yaxchilan was a large center, important throughout the Classic era, and the dominant power of the Usumacinta River area. It dominated such smaller sites as Bonampak,[2] and had a long rivalry with Piedras Negras and at least for a time with Tikal; it was a rival of Palenque, with which Yaxchilan warred in 654.

The site is particularly known for its well-preserved sculptured stone lintels set above the doorways of the main structures.[3] These lintels, together with the stelae erected before the major buildings, contain hieroglyphic texts describing the dynastic history of the city.[3]

  1. ^ a b Sharer & Traxler 2006, p. 421
  2. ^ Coe 1999, p.125.
  3. ^ a b Sharer & Traxler 2006, p. 435