Edzná - Edzná

Edzna is a city in Campeche (State) in Mexico.

background

The first traces of settlement indicate settlement in the 5th century. v. Chr. The high phase did not begin until the 4th century. AD and continued in brisk building activity until the 11th century. AD at. The oldest stele found here dates from A.D. 672, and the youngest dates from A.D. 810. In the meantime, the city was under very strong influence from the nearby Calakmul. But its decline in the 8th / 9th Century by Tikal apparently could not shake Edzná. Not until the 15th century. AD, shortly before the arrival of the Spaniards, the city was abandoned for reasons unknown.

Experts argue about the meaning of the name of the site. The most common is "House of the Itzá". Others are "House with a face that makes grimaces" or "House of Echoes".

In addition to the many structures and pyramids on an area of ​​25 km², the city is particularly well-known for the complex irrigation and drainage system, which was one of the guarantees for the long prosperity of this city. Due to the highly fluctuating rainfall, the region would normally not have been able to supply such a large number of residents with water without large cenotes. But the residents knew what to do and created 32 canals up to 12 km long and 20 m wide at 6 m deep and 15 large cisterns (so-called chultunes).

Although the city was rediscovered in 1907, it was not measured and analyzed for the first time until 1928. It would take another thirty years before the first excavations took place. Systematic excavations and restorations have been carried out here since the 1960s. In 1986 a program was launched that recruits and trains guest workers from Guatemala for further restoration and maintenance of the facility.

getting there

By plane

The nearest airport is in Campeche. From here the road continues.

In the street

Of Campeche follow the MEX 180 in an easterly direction to Cayal. Here you turn right onto the MEX 261 in the direction of Edzná.

If you don't want to drive yourself, you can also arrive and depart by bus. The starting point and destination in Campeche is the market. There is a stop only for buses to and from Edzná.

Alternatively, there are some travel companies in Campeche that offer trips to Edzná:

• Edzná Operadora Turística & DMC, Av 16 de Septiembre No.128 Entre 59 Y 61, Campeche, Mexico. Tel.: 52 981 816 54 52, Email: [email protected]. last change: not specified

• Tours operador xtampak s.a. de c.v., calle 57 # 14 inter 3 centro historico san francisco de campeche, campeche, mexicoc.p. 24000. Tel.: (0)18008226837, Email: [email protected]. last change: not specified

Alternatively, you can definitely consider a taxi. The full-day excursion with a two-hour tour of the ruins by the taxi driver cost 500 pesos plus US $ 50 in 2015. However, this is a matter of negotiation and certainly not every taxi driver does that.

mobility

The facility can only be explored on foot.

Tourist Attractions

There is a small museum behind the cash register. This is built in the style of a traditional Mayan hut. Here you can find some steles and information about the facility. There is another information board outside the museum. This underlines once again that the Maya never went under, as they still exist today and that this Maya city was only built by the Maya without the help of e.g. extraterrestrials. A small path leads from here, lined with not yet exposed pyramids and platforms, to the Anexo de los Cuchillos.

• Appendix to the knife (Anexo de los Cuchillos) - This group of buildings, which are grouped around a small square, is called in Spanish Appendix to the knife designated. This refers to the platform of the knives. But here the name does not do justice to the actual complex. Rather, it is a separate plaza, which is surrounded by several platforms whose meanings could not yet be clearly assigned. In the middle of the plaza there are several stone circles that probably had a sundial-like function. All buildings date from the period between 1000 AD. and 1200 AD On the south side of the plaza is a tunnel that leads directly to the Gran Plaza. The tunnel is still accessible today. This place is also called on more recent plans Patio de los embajadores (Courtyard of the ambassadors).

• Platform of the Knives (Plataforma de los Cuchillos) - The name of this platform is based on the discovery of an offering in the building, which consisted exclusively of flint knives. The platform shows remains of walls and seats. Based on the type and arrangement of the seats, it is believed that this was the meeting place for high-ranking members of the Edzná Society.

• Holy Streets (Sacbé) - On the Gran Plaza there are two sacred streets that lead from the Great House to the great Acropolis. These are slightly raised and fastened. It is believed that these were built for processional purposes.

• The Big House (Nohochná) - When you look at the Big House, you immediately feel reminded of large stands in stadiums. Since this over 100 meter long structure was directly opposite the Edificio de los Cinco Pisos, this is not so strange. So it is easy to imagine that the big house was fully occupied with excited spectators who watched the hustle and bustle on the big temple. There is also a hollow in the middle of the building and pieces of wall to the right and left of it on the top of the building. Due to the shadow formation of the ridge of the Edificio de los Cinco Pisos on important dates, a calendar function is assumed here.

The central element of the Gran Plaza is the great acropolis. Most of the time you enter this via the Patio Puuc.

• Puuc Square (Patio puuc) - There are some smaller buildings in a small square here. Among other things, a steam bath for religious cleaning can be found here. The name Patio Puuc is no coincidence. The square is covered with numerous Puuc elements. Symbolized representations of Chaac can be found here as well as the rounded stones under overhangs that are so typical of the Puuc style.

• Temple of the North (Templo de Norte) - This temple complex adjoins the Patio Puuc and has been built over four times over the years. This pyramid was last revised in the 14th century. The building has two floors that can be reached via several stairs. In front of the pyramid is a C-shaped platform, which was probably added as the last structural measure in the 14th century.

• Temple of the Moon (Templo de la Luna) - The wide pyramid with a wide staircase is opposite the Temple of the North. At the top of the step pyramid are the remains of a temple, of which only a few walls and columns are left.

• The five-story building (Edificio de los Cinco Pisos) - The absolute highlight of this ruined city is this mixture of palace and pyramid with a side length of 60 meters. Not only is the mixture of the two functions palace and pyramid with temple unique here, but there are also numerous different architectural styles to be found here that cannot be found in this combination anywhere in the Maya world. Unfortunately, the pyramid can no longer be climbed, so that some stylistic elements cannot be seen and the fantastic view cannot be enjoyed. But there is still a lot to see. The first thing you notice is the massive round arches on the sides. This architectural feature is unique. You can also find Puuc elements but also Toltec elements such as columns in and on the building. The pyramid has a total of five floors and offers access to numerous rooms on each floor. The alignment of the pyramid has been made exactly in such a way that on May 1st the sun shines through the uppermost rooms for three days and a stele, which is otherwise in the dark, is clearly visible. This is exactly the date of the beginning of the sowing in the field. The stele will be illuminated again on August 13th at the beginning of the harvest season.
  

  Hieroglyphs at the foot of the stairs of the Edificio de los Cinco Pisos

At the top there is a temple with a cruciform plan that has a roof ridge that is strongly reminiscent of the Petén-style sites like Tikal or Yaxchilan remind. Unfortunately, the former stucco of the roof ridge can no longer be seen, but in the lower area there is still original plaster with paint on the side, and there are numerous hieroglyphs on the front in the stairs. Well-preserved mural stucco masks have even been found on the north side. But with all the beauty, the building offers even more amazing things, because if you stand in front of the pyramid and clap your hands, you get a surprising noise back as a hall, which is modeled on the call of the sacred bird of the Maya - the Quetzal. Furthermore, in the morning the shadow of the ridge falls directly on the opposite large house and fulfills the calendar function with the changing shadow orientation. Finally, the position of the other two pyramids (Temple of the North and Temple of the South) is chosen in such a way that a kind of bell jar is created, which makes it possible to understand what is on the stairs of the Edificio de los Cinco Pisos on the big house is communicated.

• Ball court (Juego de Pelota) - The ball playground is relatively small compared to other places in cities of the same size. Only the brackets are left of the rings.

• Temple of the Steps (Templo de la Escalinata) - To see this temple, you have to climb the small acropolis and have the feeling of standing on the prototype of the large acropolis. In terms of timing, it's not that far-fetched. In addition to a stucco mask from the pre-classical period, ceramics from the 4th century BC are found here. And steles from the period AD 40 to AD 400 have been found. The temple of the steps is the central element here and is much simpler than the Edificio de los Cinco Pisos. But here, too, there are reliefs in the steps, which, in contrast to the large Acropolis, are depictions of animals.

• Temple of the Masks (Templo de los mascarones) - Another highlight of the city can be found in this temple. Although this is rather modest in itself, two large mask representations of the sun god were exposed in their original color. It is interesting that these are designed according to the general ideal of beauty at the time. And it should be noted that squinting and buck teeth were definitely part of it.

• Temple of the South (Templo del Sur) - This pyramid was built in the 6th century and then changed several times. The structure now being viewed dates from the 9th century. Noteworthy is the large snakehead that was found on the south side. Its meaning and purpose could not be clarified until today, since the representation corresponds more to the natural anatomy than the usual mythological representation such as in Chichen Itza or Mayapán.

• Ceiba - An old Ceiba stands between the Great House and the Temple of the South. This tree, sacred in Mayan mythology, is still venerated today. Numerous offerings and candles at the foot of the tree bear witness to this. Therefore one should respectfully approach this tree and any Maya praying in front of it and treat it as a sacred place deserves. In any case, you should avoid taking photos of praying Maya.

• . This other main building in Edzná is 800 meters from Gran Placa. The rounded corners of the building are unusual. A flight of stairs leads to the top, on which the remains of a small temple can be found. A sanctuary was probably kept here in the past.last change: not specified
  Type is group designation

activities

• Discover - Numerous relatively well-preserved Maya buildings can be found here in a short distance.

• Light show - Here, too, they now have a daily sound and light show based on the model of Campeche or Chichen Itza introduced. All tour operators in Campeche offer a daily transport service including entry to this event.

shop

Every now and then you can buy a limited number of souvenirs in the entrance area. If you want to be on the safe side, you should do your souvenir shopping in Campeche to plan.

The only way to buy water and food is about 5 km before Edzná at a crossroads. Half a liter of cold water costs 10 pesos (about 60 cents). You cannot buy water on the site itself, but you should always have something with you.

kitchen

There is no possibility to eat in or around the ruins. There is also no kiosk or the like here. Therefore, you should bring your own food and, above all, plenty of water.

nightlife

The nightlife here is limited to the light show (see activities).

accommodation

Most tourists stay in Campechewhich is surely the best idea. If you want to be closer to the ruins and have the necessary change, you can also stay in the luxury hotel Hacienda Uayamon.

• Hacienda Uayamon, Km 20, Carretera Uayamon-China-Edzna, Uayamon, Campeche, Mexico. Tel.: 52-981-81-30530, Email: [email protected]. This paradise is located 20 kilometers from Campeche, integrated into the remains of a luxurious hacienda. Here you will find 10 individual suites with four-poster beds and granite bathrooms.Price: from € 140.00 upwards.last change: not specified

health

The facility is located in the rainforest. Therefore, one should prepare accordingly. First of all, enough liquid is part of the provisions. Clothing suitable for the rainforest should be chosen. Black clothing should be avoided to protect against mosquitos. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants also help. In any case, insect repellent should be part of the equipment. Sturdy shoes not only protect against unpleasant contact with biting insects, but also help when climbing the pyramids and temples. A head covering protects against the strong sunlight.

Practical advice

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Entry: MEX $ 52 per person
• You pay MEX $ 38 extra for carrying a video camera

trips

literature

• Maya. God kings in the rainforest by Nikolai Grube published by Könemann-Verlag, Cologne 2000. ISBN 3-829-01564-X .

Web links

Edzna on the INAH website (span.)