Mayapan, Archaeological site in Tecoh, Mexico.
Mayapan is an archaeological site in Tecoh with temple ruins, residential platforms, and a defensive wall that encircles the grounds. Twelve gates punctuate the wall and lead into different sections of the ancient city.
This city was founded in the 13th century as a power center after the decline of Chichén Itzá. Internal conflicts between leading families ended its occupation in the 15th century.
The site is thought to have been a ceremonial center with residential zones around it, where craftspeople and farming families carried out daily tasks. The layout follows a pattern with open courtyards between platforms, reflecting social hierarchies in late Maya life.
Visitors should wear sturdy footwear for uneven terrain and bring enough water, as shade is limited. Walking through the grounds can take two to three hours depending on pace and interest.
Excavations have brought to light workshops where metalwork, flint tools, and obsidian blades were produced. These specialized manufacturing areas show how organized the division of labor was among residents.
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