Uxmal-Pyramid of Magician

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Legend states that the Pyramid of the Magician was built overnight by a dwarf that was hatched from an egg.  The dwarf overthrew the existing ruler and became the new ruler of Uxmal.   In reality, the pyramid was first built around 569A.D.  It was built over five times. The last addition, the House of the Magician at the top, was added in 900 A.D.

 

 

 

 

 

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The pyramid is 100 feet tall.  The 90 steps leading to the top are very steep, resulting in a 60 degree slope.

 

 

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The doorway into the temple on the top aligns with the setting sun on April 12 and August 31.  These are important astronomical dates on the Mayan calendar for tracking the sun's zenith.

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