Mayan Architecture

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The Pigeon House at  Uxmal.



The Mayans produced a remarkable ceremonial architecture that still inspires awe today.  The ceremonial centers usually consisted of  pyramidal mounds with temples or other buildings on top.  These structures were grouped together around an open plaza.  The core of the structures was built of stone rubble and lime concrete.  The exterior facade was faced with finished limestone blocks or stucco.  Carved wood was used for door lintels.  A corbel-like vault was developed that required very heavy walls and narrow interior spaces.  Windows, if present at all, were very small.  Both the interior and exterior walls were colorfully painted.  Many of the structures acted as astronomical markers to track the movement of the heavenly bodies.

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Puuc Style Puuc/Mexican Style East Coast Style Ceremonial Sites