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Peten Architectural Style

 

Peten Architectural Style example from Tikal.

 

According to the signs in the Museum of Maya Archaeology in Campeche city in the state of Campeche, the Peten region is located in the northern Guatemala and southern Yucatan (the Mexican states of Campeche and Quintana Roo). The earliest evidence of the Peten architectural style date to the Middle Pre-Classic or Formative Period (600-300 B.C.E.). The Peten architectural style reached its peak during the Late Classic Period (600-800 C.E.).

 

Peten Architectural Style example from Calakmul.

 

Large pyramidal platforms more than 50 meters tall and massive roof combs supported on buildings' back walls characterize the Peten architectural style. Cities such as Calakmul, Balamku, and Nadzca'an were composed of an acropolis, large buildings complexes resting on an enormous platform, and large plazas that served as the center of public life for the community.

 

Peten Architectural Style example from Calakmul.

 

The temples had platforms with recessed corners and decorations with stucco masks painted red, black, and blue, representing sacred images that connected rulers with their ancestors and with the gods.

 

Mayan cities displaying the Peten architectural style include:

Calakmul

Tikal

Uaxactun

Yaxha

For more information, please see the Wikipedia entry.