The Spectacular Ancient Maya City of Uxmal

The ancient Maya city of Uxmal is located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It was one of the regional capitals during the Maya Late Classical period and is considered today to be one of the most important Maya archaeological sites. Located in the Puuc region, the ruins of Uxmal are an impressive document to the architectural feats of the Maya. 

Controversial History and the Mythical Legend of How Uxmal Was Built

Uxmal (pronounced “oosh-mal”), means either “built three times” or “what is to come, the future.” Legend says that the first king of the city was bested by a magical dwarf, named Itzamna, who won Uxmal and the position as king by building the tallest monument (now known as the Pyramid of the Magician) in the city in one night.

The exact date of the founding to the city is uncertain, although archaeological evidence suggests that it was some time in the 6th century AD. However, Uxmal did not gain status until about 850 AD.

Some researchers have suggested that there are distinct times, that may be called Golden Ages, in which monumental building is thought to have taken place and life was believed to have flourished for Uxmal: the 9th-10th centuries and also the 13th-14th centuries. Part of the evidence for this belief is that much like the famous site of Chichen Itza; Uxmal survived the collapse that brought an end to many of the Maya cities in 900 AD.