The Classic period (from about 300 A.D. to 900 A.D.) gave rise to many ornate and beautiful buildings such as those at Tikal, Copan, Quiriqua, Coba and Palenque. Each Mayan site has its own distinctive feel and yet there are stylistic elements that can be identified in all sites. Classic Maya sites typically consist of stepped platforms with masonry structures on top. These are often arranged around courtyards. Very steep stepped pyramids with (at least one) building on top is a regular feature of Classic Maya sites. These pyramids often have remains of roof combs that extend their height and carved panels on interior walls and doorways.

Temple II as seen from the North Acropolis, Tikal, Guatamala.

The main temples at Tikal are characteristically classic Maya. Similar Temple Pyramids are found throughout the Maya region, but none are as tall those in Tikal. The largest of Mayan centers, Tikal contains 3,000 structures (or foundations) in about 6 square miles. The population in the Late Classic was probably between 10,000 and 40,000.

The Temple of the Inscriptions, Palenque, Mexico

At Palenque, another Classic site, the main pyramid is called the Temple of the Inscriptions. It rises 75 feet above the plaza but the back rests against the hill, greatly reducing the effort of building compared to the free-standing pyramids.

At Coba, a site in Quintana Roo, Mexico, is a classic Mayan city. It was built around 4 large lakes and the area has been continuously inhabited for a thousand years. The largest structure at the site, the Nohoch Mul (Great Mound) pyramid, is 120 feet tall. One of the more than 16 sacbes leads due west out of the city for 62.5 miles to the minor site of Yaxuna', the longest one in Mayaland.

© 1996 Ken Goehring