URBANISM

The Maya archaeological zones are only a part of what were once large religious, commercial and political centers.

    These towns were built along a predetermined axis, with a group of wide-stepped plazas that were linked to platforms on which temples, palaces and pyramids were built. The urban design did not always follow a plan, but often corresponded to the earth's topography, often in accordance with mathematical measurements and magical symbolism.

    In the Yucatan peninsula (Mexico) these cities were built next to great natural water wells called cenotes, and were linked together by long sacbés (white roads) Religious ceremonies were held in the urban centers; ball games were played; and on specific days, a large market was installed.

    The Maya cities were also bureaucratic centers where political, civil and military matters were dealt with.

    Sometime during the Post-Classic period (A.D. 900-1500) ramparts first appeared. The upper classes—made up mostly of nobles and priests—lived in elegant houses inside the walls that formed the ramparts. The common people lived around the acropolis, occupying rustic huts, living in nuclear families and maintaining their cornfields. In its time these fortressed cities would have appeared grand and colorful.

TIKAL, GUATEMALA

Commonly, Maya cities do not appear to have followed a clear plan. Boulevards, plazas, temples and pyramids were all distributed according to whatever was convenient at each site. For example, the topography of Tikal influenced the creation of a center, the north Acropolis, in relation with other important buildings. The homes of the common people were built beyond this large complex.