El Petén - Guatemala - page 506

bright paint. When it's illuminated by the afternoon sun, it's possible to make out the fig-
ure of a seated dignitary.
Although climbing to the top of Templo I is prohibited, the views from Templo II just
across the way are nearly as awe-inspiring. Templo II, also known as the Temple of the
Masks, was at one time almost as high as Templo I, but it now measures 38m without its
roofcomb.
Nearby, the Acrópolis del Norte (North Acropolis) significantly predates the two great
temples. Archaeologists have uncovered about 100 different structures, the oldest of
which dates from before the time of Christ, with evidence of occupation as far back as 600
BC. The Maya built and rebuilt on top of older structures, and the many layers, combined
with the elaborate burials of Tikal's early rulers, added sanctity and power to their
temples. The final version of the acropolis, as it stood around AD 800, had more than 12
temples atop a vast platform, many of them the work of King Ah Cacao. Look especially
for the two huge, powerful wall masks, uncovered from an earlier structure and now pro-
tected by roofs. On the plaza side of the North Acropolis are two rows of stelae. These
served to record the great deeds of the kings, to sanctify their memory and to add power to
the temples and plazas that surrounded them.
Acrópolis Central
South and east of the Gran Plaza, this maze of courtyards, little rooms and small temples
is thought by many to have been a palace where Tikal's nobles lived. Others think the tiny
rooms may have been used for sacred rites and ceremonies, as graffiti found within them
suggest. Over the centuries the configuration of the rooms was repeatedly changed, sug-
gesting that perhaps this 'palace' was in fact a noble or royal family's residence and alter-
ations were made to accommodate groups of relatives. A hundred years ago, one part of
the acropolis provided lodgings for archaeologist Teobert Maler when he worked at Tikal.
Templo III
West of the Gran Plaza, across the Calzada Tozzer (Tozzer Causeway) stands Templo III,
currently undergoing restoration. Only its upper reaches have been cleared. A scene
carved into the lintel at its summit, 55m high, depicts a figure in an elaborate jaguar suit,
believed to be the ruler Dark Sun. From this point, you can continue west to Templo IV
along the Calzada Tozzer, one of several sacred byways between the temple complexes of
Tikal.
Templo V & Acrópolis del Sur