Quad. Corner - Uxmal

Gordon Nicolson

From a series of photographs of pre-Columbian ruins by Gordon Nicolson.

Uxmal is an ancient Maya city of the classical period in present-day Mexico. The name Uxmal means "built three times" in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician (Templo de Adivino). The Mayan would often build a new temple over an existing one. Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatan peninsula, and at its height about 25,000 Mayans resided there. There are indications that its rulers also presided over the nearby settlements in Kabah, Labna and Sayil.

Uxmal is located in the Puuc region and is considered one of the Maya cities most representative of the region's dominant architectural style.Puuc architecture has several predominant features, most notably constructions with a plain lower section and a richly decorated upper section.

The Nunnery Quadrangle is a collection of four buildings around a quadrangle. It was named Casa de las Monjas (The Nunnery) by the Spanish because the 74 small rooms around the courtyard reminded them of nuns' quarters in a Spanish convent. Many typical Puuc embellishments, including Chac (god of rainfall) masks are arranged on over another vertically, serpents and lattice work.