Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Ek’ Balam "Black Jaguar" - "The Great Talol Empire"
The occupation of the site starts from 600 BC, and lasted until 1600 AD.
The height of its importance was during the Late Classic Period
(600-900 AD). The rise of the site corresponds to the period between 770
and 900, in which appears the record of a ruler named Ukin Kan Le’k
Tok’, which together with his descendants, succeeded in extending the
power of the city to compete with Cobá. Ek 'Balam was founded by Ek'
Balam Balam or Coch Cal Balam, who came from the east and ruled for 40
years.
Ek’ Balam, the capital of the Maya Empire of TOH, had a population
of more than 15,000 inhabitants in 12 square Kms. approximately. 45
structures are surrounded by two concentric stone walls plus there is
another wall that unites the central buildings. The walls were used to
control the access. The city was one of the longest continuously
inhabited Maya sites.
Ek’ Balam was a large and powerful city that was part of the Maya
Talol Empire. The towns of the eastern part of the state paid tribute
with offerings of shell and other valuables.
Surrounded by protective walls and four beautiful arches, the
architecture of this city is completely different to others in the
Yucatán.
The arches are at the entrance of the Sacbéob (Scabé), the Maya
roads made of shells, lime, and sap of the Zapote tree and raised with
stones. The roads connected the city with other Maya cities and within
the temples and pyramids of the center. The Maya traveled at night to
avoid the heat, and, by using shells on the roads, the light of the moon
was reflected on them making them white.
This great city was a ceremonial place where everything was planned.
Temples, ball court, and beautifully carved monuments known as the
hieroglyphic serpents.
The city was founded by the priest Ek' Balam or Coch, which arrived from the east and governed the city for 40 years.
The Maya King Coch-Cal-Balam, founded Ek' Balam, but, U'kil-Kan
Lek-T'ok, was the powerful ruler that is buried in the main pyramid
called the Acropolis.
I am ex tactic - if that mean real happy - really really happy - that
was me this day. This was my first time seeing the Mayan ruins - and I
got to climb all those stairs - over coming fear of heights and the
anxiety of coming back down all those stairs once I at the top. This
site was chosen over other sites mainly because here they still let you
climb the steps.
My childhood fantasy of seeing the Mayan Ruins - fulfill - I should
have made my life career working for the National Geographic Magazine.
(Next on my list is to visit a Rubber plantations in Indonesia)
The day was hot - but not over whelming. I had no issues with bugs.
Made me think about how life was lived in the past. I am thankful I am
living in this age.