Kohunlich facts for kids
Kohunlich is a big archaeological site from the Maya civilization. It's found on the Yucatán Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The ancient Maya people built this city long ago. Its name in Modern Mayan is X-làabch'e'en.
We don't know the original name of this place. The name "Kohunlich" comes from "Cohune Ridge." This is an English name for an area where cohune palm trees grew. In 1912, people called this area Clarksville. This was because of a nearby logging camp.
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Exploring Kohunlich
This ancient city covers about 21 acres (85,000 square meters). It is surrounded by thick rainforest. There are nearly 200 mounds here. Most of these mounds have not been dug up yet.
City Planning and Water System
The Maya people planned Kohunlich very carefully. They built raised platforms and pyramids. There were also strongholds and courtyards. Palace platforms surrounded large open areas called plazas.
The city's design helped collect rainwater. All the buildings were laid out to guide water. This water flowed into a system of cisterns. There was also a huge reservoir to store water.
When Was Kohunlich Built?
People first settled here around 200 BC. But most of the big buildings were made later. This happened during the Early Classic period. This time was from about 250 to 600 AD.
Many structures are still covered by plants and trees. Kohunlich was an important regional center. It was also a stop along trade routes. These routes went through the southern Yucatán. They connected cities from the west, east, and south.
The Temple of the Masks
Kohunlich is most famous for its Temple of the Masks. This pyramid was built in the Early Classic period. Its main stairway has huge stucco masks. These masks look like human faces.
The temple was built around 500 AD. It is one of the oldest buildings at Kohunlich. After 700 AD, another building covered this temple. This later construction protected the masks. That is why they are so well-preserved today. Only some steps of the later temple remain.
Layout of the Site
The path to Kohunlich comes from the north. It leads into a very large central plaza. Pyramids and temple platforms surround this plaza. To the north, there is a huge raised area. This area is called an acropolis, or citadel. It has a palace complex around a courtyard.
Further east, you will find the Temple of the Masks. This temple was built to honor the sun god. Originally, there were eight carved masks. They were on both sides of the central staircase. Today, only five masks remain. Three of them were taken long ago.
Gallery
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A close-up of one of the masks
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See also
In Spanish: Kohunlich para niños
