Edzná facts for kids
Edzná is an ancient city built by the Maya people. It is a famous archaeological site located in the northern part of the Campeche state in Mexico. Today, you can visit this amazing place and explore its old buildings.
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What is Edzná?
Edzná was a very important city for the Maya. It was built a long, long time ago, around 600 BC. The city grew and became powerful over many centuries. It was a center for trade, farming, and religious ceremonies.
Why was Edzná important?
Edzná was special because of its clever water system. The Maya built canals and reservoirs to collect and store water. This helped them grow crops even during dry seasons. It also protected the city from floods. This advanced system shows how smart the ancient Maya were.
Exploring the Main Buildings
The site of Edzná has many impressive structures. Each building tells a story about the people who lived there.
The Five-Story Building
The most famous building at Edzná is called the Five-Story Building. It is a tall pyramid with five levels. This pyramid was likely used for religious ceremonies. From the top, you can see a wide view of the ancient city. It's a great example of Maya architecture.
The Great Acropolis
The Five-Story Building is part of a larger area called the Great Acropolis. This was the main part of the city. It includes several temples, palaces, and platforms. Important leaders and priests probably lived and worked here.
The Nohochná
Another large building is the Nohochná, which means "Big House." It is a long structure that might have been a palace or a government building. It shows how the Maya organized their society.
The Ball Court
Like many Maya cities, Edzná has a ball court. Here, people played a special game with a rubber ball. This game was more than just a sport; it had religious meaning. It was an important part of Maya culture.
Life in Ancient Edzná
People lived in Edzná for over 1,500 years. They were skilled farmers, artists, and builders.
Daily Life and Farming
The people of Edzná grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. They used their advanced water system to make sure they had enough food. They also traded goods with other Maya cities.
Art and Writing
The Maya of Edzná were also great artists. They created beautiful pottery, sculptures, and carvings. They also used a complex writing system called hieroglyphs. These writings tell us about their history and beliefs.
The Decline of Edzná
Around 1500 AD, Edzná began to be abandoned. We don't know exactly why people left. It might have been due to climate change, wars, or other problems. The city slowly became covered by the jungle.
Rediscovery of Edzná
For many centuries, Edzná was hidden. In the 20th century, archaeologists began to uncover the ruins. They worked hard to restore the buildings. Today, Edzná is a protected site. It helps us learn about the amazing Maya civilization.
Images for kids
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Plaza of Edzná, viewed from the main temple
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Plaza of Edzná, viewed from ground level in 2015.
