About Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam

Ek Balam (meaning ´Black Jaguar´ or “Bright Star Jaguar”) is truly one of the gems of the ancient Maya Civilization and one of the best kept secrets in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Oval Palace is close to this structure, also known as “La Redonda” (The Round One), it is the strangest structure at the site. Chenes style serpent mouth doorway which is intricately carved from eyebrows to molars. Stunning life size statues such as “The Angel” (only angel found within the Mayan civilization) and other human and animal figures are found here

Ek Balam has one of the longest occupation records in the Yucatan Peninsula, from about 400 B.C. to the conquest, and contains one of the finest Mayan sculptures in the area. According to some Spanish writings from the 16th century, the city was part of a great empire called Talol. The settlement is said to have been founded by a great lord known as “Coch Cal Balam” was also called Ek Balam. It became a significant city from about the year 400 A.C. and rose to power between 700 and 1000, the period that resulted in the largest structures. The size of Ek Balam´s main buildings indicates that it was an important population center in the northern region, prior to the rise of Chichen Itza. It was surrounded by three concentric walls, used apparently for defense as well as to restrict ceremonial access. The walls allow four entrances which are culminations of an equal number of "sacbes" or raised white roadbeds. These causeways divide in the direction of all four cardinal points. The formal entrance to the site was via Sacbé number 2, where it passed through this structure with arches on all four sides.

Most of the actual buildings at Ek Balam were built around 800 A.D. or later. Around that time, the city was ruled by a powerful man named Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok, whose tomb, called Acropolis, is located on the site. Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok´s name has been deduced from a glyph in the tomb. The Acropolis has remarkable sculptures and is considered among the tallest buildings in the Yucatan. The view from the top is quite spectacular and worth the effort, although it can seem quite daunting on the way up and down. In order to view the sculptures there, you must climb about 2/3rds of the way up. The buildings suggest that Ek Balam was rich and powerful at one time and lost much of its power around 1000 A.D., but remained inhabited long after.

The city is compact and was probably a walled city like Tulum. The first structure you find when entering the site is a four-sided arch located over one of the sacbes or white roads that were used to connect various ancient cities. This unique arch was probably used for rituals and ceremonies. The Oval Palace is close to this structure, also known as “La Redonda” (The Round One), it is the strangest structure at the site. It is a semi-spiral shaped round tower that looks very un-Mayan. The building is asymmetrical and the reason why it was built like this remains a mystery, but it is believed that it was used in astronomical ceremonies and observations. Some other buildings worth seeing is “El Juego de Pelota” (The Ball Court) and “Las Gemelas” (The Twins) and the Nunnery upon which sits a huge staircase temple. Much of the detail appears to be Puuc. Stelae have been identified and a large one sits in the main plaza.

While it is not as completely restored or as large a site as Chichen Itza or Uxmal, Ek Balam is an active archaeological site, with a newly excavated structure called "La Torre” gives the visitor a great overview of the entire archaeological process. The effect is almost mystical with restored buildings pushing out of the huge mounds of rubble and jungle undergrowth. It is a striking sight. Recent excavations have revealed stunning stucco work ornamenting many of the pyramid´s terraces and entryways.

It is approximately 165 meters long and 75 meters high, this is one of the largest structures in the Yucatan, it is more than twice the size of “The Castle” at Chichen Itza (Kukulcan´s pyramid), with platforms and stairways in all directions. Just about at the top you will find a giant Chenes style serpent mouth doorway which is intricately carved from eyebrows to molars. Stunning life size statues such as “The Angel” (only angel found within the Mayan civilization) and other human and animal figures are found here, as well as tunnels inside the Acropolis, leading to tombs. The site has two cenotes, but neither one is located near the Main Plaza. A very large Chultun has been identified on the north side of the Acropolis.

The Lords of Ek Balam appear to have been allied with Cobá, Yaxchilan and Yamuna. Since Cobá and Yamuna were dreaded enemies of Chichen Itza... perhaps Ek Balam was as well. Soon the archaeologists will complete the reconstruction and we may have answers to some of these burning questions.