Development North Acropolis, Tikal

1 development

1.1 late preclassic period
1.2 classic period
1.3 postclassic period

development

map of north acropolis

the earliest traces of working of limestone bedrock under basal platform of acropolis date 800 bc, consisting of deep cuts rock associated refuse domestic , ceremonial activity. first structures in became north acropolis built around 350 bc, towards end of middle preclassic period (c. 1000-300 bc).

late preclassic period

during late preclassic (c. 300 bc - ad 250), 49-metre (161 ft) wide causeway built unite north acropolis mundo perdido complex southwest. earliest dated architecture in north acropolis built in second century bc , consisted of low basal platform north 2 smaller platforms south, forerunners of triadic pyramid complex formed later temples 22, 23 , 24. these not first structures built since remains of earlier versions of platforms have been identified underneath these suffered such extensive destruction prior building of 2nd century bc version no physical sequence can reconstructed.

in 1st century ad complex underwent major expansion. @ time there gradual shift in focus major preclassic mundo perdido complex north acropolis, marked out new ceremonial centre of city , received first royal burials, far not conclusively identified named rulers.

classic period

during classic period (c. ad 250-900) royal dynasty of tikal developed complex royal necropolis, each successive ruler superimposing new temples on earlier structures. around ad 250, pre-existing architecture demolished , new basal platform built, supporting 4 corbel-vaulted structures. around ad 400 complex expanded southwards original basal platform addition of row of tall pyramids divided original architecture tikal s main plaza. towards end of 7th century, king jasaw chan k awiil ordered construction of new version temple 33, possibly house remains of nuun ujol chaak, father. new building blocked entrance north acropolis, formerly ending role preferred burial ground of tikal s kings. around ad 734 king jasaw chan k awiil entombed in temple on east side of plaza, ending tradition of interring rulers within north acropolis.

postclassic period

funerary activity continued late postclassic (c. 900-1525). towards end of tikal s dwindling occupancy, during 10th or 11th centuries, squatters mining north acropolis in search of jade grave goods in elite tombs; of easier-to-find burials located , looted @ time.