Sayil
Archeological site
Sayil
Notable settlement in the Puuc region, with examples of the particularly fine Puuc architectural style. Remarkable for the Great Palace or North Palace, which displays portions of consistent facades erected at successive stages, over a period of twelve centuries.
The city of Sayil was built at the end of the Late Classic and early Terminal Classic (800-950), in a valley with good farming land. It is estimated that it extended to an area of three square miles that during its occupation in the eighth and ninth centuries had a population of approximately 10,000. The archeological evidence suggests that the inhabitants of Sayil initially settled just over a mile from the North Palace on a site known as Chaak II, which possesses one of the few natural water sources in the region, in the cave of Chaak.
The fact that the ancient Maya preferred to settle in a valley with more fertile soil tells us how important farming was to them. A good proportion of the inhabitants of Sayil and of the Puuc region generally were farmers, who cultivated gardens in the city and fields in the neighboring valleys.
Stelae were erected on the site representing the important lords, who were probably the rulers. Nevertheless, the archeological evidence suggests that the lords at least partially shared political and religious power with other lineages.
Document
- Dirección del Centro INAHVictor Arturo Martínez Rojasvictor_amartinez@inah.gob.mx+52 (999) 913 4034Administración del Centro INAHFelipe de Jesús Flores Lagunafelipe_flores@inah.gob.mx+52 (999) 913 4034, ext.398006
Gran Palacio o Palacio Norte
This impressive multi-roomed building is located at the northern end of the settlement axis. It was built over several periods.
Gran Palacio o Palacio Norte
This impressive multi-roomed building is located at the northern end of the settlement axis. It was built over several periods. The Maya succeeded in giving it symmetry by reproducing the porticoes, entrances, false corridors, small columns and masks with serpentine motifs (the latter are on the second level). This solution is considered to be a true architectural design masterpiece. The columns are the star element of the entire building. They are not only present in the porticoes; they are also found in the form of reeds throughout the building.
El Mirador
It occupies a prominent place in the site. Its construction system is not as careful as that of the North Palace, since many of the stones are not well cut. It was thought that this is because it was built when the Maya were in decline.
El Mirador
It occupies a prominent place in the site. Its construction system is not as careful as that of the North Palace, since many of the stones are not well cut. It was thought that this is because it was built when the Maya were in decline. However, the classic style of the cresting shows that the Mirador is older and belongs to the first manifestations of Puuc architecture.
In reality, the miradors -for there are also those in Labná and Sabacché- are temples that emerged around 600, when that style was still in formation. They are distinguished by their slender crests, which served as a showcase for the ruling class to display the discourse that legitimized them in power. No less than six altars and a stela have been found associated with the Mirador de Sayil.
Estructura 3B1 o Jambas Jeroglíficas
In this six-bedroom building, the hieroglyphic jambs that adorn the door leading to room 2 stand out.
Palacio Sur
The main façade of the South Palace, located to the east, has seven doors of different widths. The decoration is composed of small columns with a central band of variable shapes and sizes.
