Tikal Temple V, Mesoamerican pyramid in Petén, Guatemala.
Temple V is a towering stone monument rising approximately 47 meters above the surrounding rainforest with nine stepped levels. It was constructed using local limestone blocks and sits within the larger Tikal archaeological complex.
The structure was built around 732 AD during the Classic Period and served as a tomb for ruler Jasaw Chan K'awiil I. Construction took place when Tikal was at the height of its power and prosperity.
The temple served as a burial place for a powerful ruler and shows how the Maya honored and remembered their leaders. People visited this place for ceremonies tied to ancestor worship and the veneration of the dead.
The climb is steep and demanding, so visitors should be in reasonable physical condition and wear sturdy footwear. Early morning is the best time to ascend, when temperatures are cooler and the rainforest is calmer.
The temple was hidden beneath rainforest vegetation for centuries and only fully exposed during the 20th century. Today it remains rarely climbed due to its demanding ascent, with far fewer people reaching the summit compared to other structures in the site.
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