Tikal Temple III, Maya temple in Tikal, Guatemala.
Temple III is a steep stone pyramid in Tikal that rises about 55 meters above the jungle floor. The structure features limestone staircases and a decorated roof comb at the top, typical of how the Maya built their most important religious buildings.
Construction began around 700 AD during the Classic Period when Tikal was one of the largest and most powerful Maya cities. This was the time when the city reached its peak and controlled much of the surrounding region.
The structure displays carved stone panels showing religious ceremonies and royal family connections that reveal what mattered most to the Maya people. Walking around the base, you can observe how these carvings were positioned to be seen and understood by those who gathered here.
The site sits within Tikal National Park and is reached by marked forest trails that take about one hour to walk. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the climb is steep and the jungle heat can be intense.
Inside the structure, ancient stone frameworks support elaborate deity faces crafted from limestone plaster that most visitors never see. These hidden details reveal that the Maya created sacred elements meant for spiritual purposes rather than public display.
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