Ek-Balam

History

“Black or dark jaguar”, owner of majestic hidden constructions among great trees, has risen from the past to reveal some of his secrets. Little was known about the Ek Balam site until recently but investigations have established that it was not only a great city, but an important site, having many features common to the Mayan culture and some which are distinct.

Its history dates from around the year 300 BC to the arrival of the Spaniards. It was the capital of the Tah Empire to which the people of the eastern part of the state, including part of the coast, paid tribute with offerings of conch shells. It covers about 12km² with a population of 12,000 to 18,000 inhabitants in its main nucleus. It is said to have been founded by a lord named Ek’ Balam or Coch Cal Balam, who arrived from the east and governed for the first 40 years.

Numerous masks, friezes and stone statues have been brought to light which allude to the jaguar and great public figures of the city, principally effigies of its governors, suggesting a shift away from the cult of Kukulcan.

Explorations have unveiled part of the city’s history and place much emphasis on another of its governors, Ukit, and his descendants. In fact, the tomb of Ukit Kanlek has been discovered along with offerings of marine conch shells, breastplates, mother of pearl (nacar), and jade items including beads, facial likenesses, fragments of ear decorations and necklaces. Representations of fish and shrimp on shell, more than 25 vases and the inscribed femur of a deer, thought to have been used as a scepter, have also been recovered.

Ek Balam has 45 structures surrounded by two concentric stone walls and another which joins the central buildings. These walls served as defense and to control access. There is a ball court, a beautiful archway at the entrance to a sacbe (a sacred Mayan road), which in ancient times connected the Mayan kingdoms, as well as stelas and the so-called hieroglyphic serpents, which are beautifully carved stone monuments. The structures bring together various styles of architecture but there are some details, like the winged images resembling angels, which make them unique.

The principal site has been called the Acropolis and is a well-fortified elevation, both in size and architecturally, measuring 160 m in length, around 79 m wide and 31 m tall. It is one of the largest structures ever excavated in Yucatán. There are several superimposed stages of construction, with a large number of vaulted chambers on different levels which are connected by corridors. Under the thatched roof which protects the façade, the intricate detail of the artwork and symbolism used on the sculptures adorning the temple is an artistic marvel.

The remainder of the white buildings stand in silent testimony to the influence and wealth of this ancient city; the well-preserved, stunning sculptures and the mystery which envelops the city contribute to the excitement of arriving visitors.