TulumThis is a brief photo tour of the Mayan Ruins at Tulum, Mexico. Enjoy following these footprints through the tracks of time. 
The word "Tulum" means walled city. This is an approprite title because a
massive block wall surrounds this nearly 18 acre historical site on the Gulf of Mexico. 
Tulum was an administrative and religious center of Mayan culture that reached
its peak of influence and power between 800 to 900 ad. This view shows the
courtyard in front of the major public temple, "El Castillo."
The city of Tulum was dedicated to the Mayan God of the "Setting Sun." The best view of the setting sun, of course, was from the public temple known as "El Castillo." 
One of the major reasons for the poor condition of most of the buildings in
Tulum is that they were constructed primarily of limestone, which is very porous
and therefore subject to erosion caused by weathering. Another reason was that
most buildings were constructed without using mortar to hold the blocks together.
Looking up the steps of "El Castillo" to the platform where most of the major religious rituals were performed. 
The Priest's preparation room just to the right of "El Castillo." 
This appears to be the private home of one of the city officials.  This is a special sanctuary atop the Temple of the Descending God. This small room is for the use of the visiting God and the High Priest. 
This is the major courtyard between "El Castillo" and the Temple of the Frescoes. 
This is another view of the carving above the door of the Temple of the 
Look into the Temple of the Frescoes and you will see part of the sacred painting inside it. 
This is a "stelae," a stone monument used to comemorate a special event. 
This is the major administrative civic building at Tulum. 
This is the main entrance to the Civic Center, which held the major city offices, such as the Mayor, Treasurer, Tax Assosser, etc. 
The view of the Gulf of Mexico from behind "El Castillo."
Tuesday, 04-May-2010 14:47:06 EDT |