| Temple
of the Jaguars
The doorway to the upper temple is marked by two
large serpentine columns and opens to a series of chambers. These
are now closed to the public to protect the colored paintings which
cover the walls. These paintings show military scenes from Chichén
Itzá's history. The lower building, or annex, is a small enclosure
which is entered through a doorway of carved columns. The columns
are decorated with military chiefs who carry lances and dart throwers
The statue of the jaguar at the entrance is believed to be a ceremonial throne, a seat of honor for the lord of Chichén Itzá. Many believe that the governor seated on this throne presided over public and religious ceremonies and met with diplomatic couriers from other parts of the Yucatan. At it height Chichén Itzá was a powerful commercial and political force in the region. The back wall of the annex has a colored fresco which
shows a dignitary seated on his throne with rows of warriors carrying
the common weapon of Central Mexcio, the dart thrower. Some researchers
believe that this fresco illustrates the conquest of the city by
the Itzáe. [Based on Let's Learn about Chichén-Itzá , Chichén-Itzá: The City of the Wise Men of the Water. by Roman Chan, All About the Mayas. by C. Dorese. published by Producción Editorial Dante (Mérida, Mexico) and Incidents of Travel in the Yucatan by Stephens and Catherwood published by Smithsonian Institute Press (Washington D.C.). All available in paperback and highly recommended.] |
Annex to the Temple of the Jaguars Maya Toltec Architectural Style constructed 900-1100 A.D.
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Throne of the jaguar and elaboratly carved column in the annex to the temple.
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The columns in the temple annex are decorated with military chiefs carrying lances. Click on the graphic for a larger view.