Muyil facts for kids
Ruins of a pyramid
|
|
 Location in Mesoamerica
|
|
| Location |  Mexico |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 20°04′40″N 87°36′55″W / 20.07778°N 87.61528°W |
| History | |
| Cultures | Maya |
Muyil (also called Chunyaxché) is an ancient Maya city. It was one of the first and longest-lived Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. You can find it about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) south of Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
People lived in Muyil for a very long time. We know this because items found there date from 350 BC all the way to 1200-1500 AD. The buildings in Muyil look like those found in southern Maya cities. They have steep pyramids, similar to Tikal in Guatemala.
Where is Muyil Located?
Muyil is special because it sits right on the Sian Ka'an lagoon. The name "Sian Ka'an" means "Where the Sky is Born." This location was very important for trade. Muyil was part of a trade route along the Caribbean coast. Ancient canals helped people travel by water.
Trade and Connections
The Maya people in Muyil traded many interesting things. They exchanged items like jade, obsidian (a type of volcanic glass), chocolate, honey, and feathers. They also traded chewing gum and salt.
For much of its history, Muyil had strong connections with another important Maya city called Coba. Coba is about 44 kilometers (27 miles) away to the north or northwest. These two cities likely worked together and shared resources.
Muyil Today
Today, Muyil is a small place. In 2010, the government counted 191 people living there. The ancient ruins are a reminder of the powerful Maya civilization that once thrived in this area.
Images for kids
-
Temple on the top of a pyramid in Muyil
-
A building from the Post-classical period at the base of the pyramid
-
A pyramid structure
-
Structure 7H3, also known as building number 5 on the Muyil tour
-
An ancient road
See also
In Spanish: Muyil para niños
