The Main Plaza at Tikal is dominated by this Pyramid Temple, one of the tallest structures at the site, rising in 9 tiers to some 70 meters above the level of the plaza. Temple 2, sits on another, smaller pyramid, which rises in 3 tiers directly across from and facing Temple 1. Temple 2 and it's pyramid can be seen in the next picture. The most magnificent part of these structures is the elaborate roofcomb, which is typical of Mayan temples. At Tikal they rise from the rear of the temple, and are built up to a lofty height, further accentuating the pronounced verticality of the pyramid below.
The temples on top of the pyramids are relatively humble structures, usually containing two small chambers, one behind the other, accessed from the door at the front and center, at the top of the long ceremonial staircase leading up to the top of the pyramid. On the right side of the picture are the broad steps to the north, fronted by rows of stone Stelea.
The North Acropolis encloses the northern end of the Main Plaza, and contains many of the oldest structures at the site. It consists of a series of smaller pyramids and temples dating from the earliest dynasties of Tikal, in which the elaborate articulation of the standard forms can be seen to have developed.
This is one of the magnificent stone Stelae found at the site, many of which are located in front of broad steps north of the Main Plaza. These typically depict important calendar events, such as the ascension of a new ruler to the throne, victory in an illustrious battle or the passing of a century. At Tikal many of the older Stelae have been ritually defaced or mutilated, indicating that the city was invaded and conquered during the course of it's history.
This is a typical palace complex, grouped around a courtyard and set on a large earthen platform which raises it above the level of the surrounding swampland. The palaces are long, narrow structures, fronted by a broad stairway to the plaza, and accessed by a series of doorways facing the plaza.
This view is looking south from the top of Temple 1, and shows the palace compound on the south side of the Main Plaza, named after the famous Tikal explorer Theobert Maler, who made his residence in these palaces while he was exploring the site. In the distance Temple 3 can be seen rising above the treetops on it's pyramid, which rises 65 meters above the jungle floor.
