Uxmal is one of the northernmost Maya cities. It is located in Yucatán (Mexico) in the Puuc region which forms the western part of the Northern Lowlands (see map). It's a relatively dry environment with a brush forest and natural wells called cenotes.

Unlike the cities of Tikal, Copán and Palenque, Uxmal only became an urban center and a political power in the Mid-Classic period (A.D. 500) (see chronology). Like most Maya cities of the Northern Lowlands it has reached its peak during the decline of the southern cities. Since the northern cities are close to the ocean, it is possible that their expansion at the end of the Classic period is related to the development of maritime trade.

The organization of the monumental center of Uxmal (fig. 1) is characterized by an assemblage of  composite complexes created by the association of a pyramid-temple with a palace complexe such as the Pyramid of the Magician (figs. 2a, b) and the Nunnery (figs. 3a, b). Also, the configuration is symmetrical and linear in reproducing the sacred geometry (see principles).

Fig. 1: Map of the monumental center of Uxmal. (after Stierlin 1981)

Uxmal was founded by a Maya people of unknown origin who made it the regional capital until the arrival of the Xiu, a Toltec clan from Central Mexico who took control of the city between A.D. 1000 and 1200. From that period, the city changed with the introduction of new political and religious ideas such as Quetzalcoatl, the plumed serpend that became dominant in the decoration of buildings. Most of the actual buildings were built by the ruler Chaac K'ak'nal such as the Palace of the Governer which was his residence.

Fig. 2a: West face of the Pyramid of the Magician.

Fig. 2b: East face of the Pyramid of the Magician.

Fig. 3a: Eastearn building of the Nunnery.

Fig. 3b: Western building of the Nunnery.