Topoxte is a pre-Columbian Mayan archaeological site from the postclassic
period in the Petén basin in northern Guatemala, capital of the northern
quarter of the Itza kingdom of the Chontal Ko'woj or Couoch or Kobox clan. Its
population is related to the Maya Chontal Kejache group whose clan name is a
deformation.
At the time of the arrival of the Spaniards in 1517, 1518 and 1519 this
kingdom extends at least to the port of Champoton (Campeche) whose king Moch
Couoch is an eminent member of the clan who will win two battles against the
Spaniards in 1517 (Hernandez) and 1518 (Grijalva). At least 2 other North
Yucatan kingdoms are related to it: Xikin Chel and Ah Kin Chel also of Kejache
origin.
It is likely that Topoxte was the political center that controlled the
northeast coast of the Yucatan peninsula called Ekab, making this entity the
most influential in the region from the fall of Mayapán 1441 to the fall of
Tayasal in 1697. The city is in rivalry with another Chontal group occupying
the western quarter of the Itza kingdom: the Acalans. The city of Tixchel to
the east of the lagoon of Terminos will be an issue of conflict for the
delimitation of the borders between Acalans and Couochs.
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Traveling to Yaxhá Lake.
Crossing the jungle to reach the Yaxhá Lake (Laguna Yaxhá).
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Yaxhá Lake is a Guatemalan lake situated in the northern department of
El Petén.
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The ancient Maya City of Yaxhá was built on the shores of Yaxhá Lake,
and the Maya ruins of Topoxté occupy a group of three small islands,
Canté, Paxté and Topoxte, at the western end of the lake.
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Crocodile in sight.
A crocodile waits for us on the side bank. Fortunately there is a
warning sign that warns «Crocodile Danger».
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Sailing towards the island.
Sailing across the lake towards the island of Topoxte.
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The island of Topoxte lies at an altitude of 168 metres (551 ft) above
sea level.
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The island is formed from limestone with the highest elevation in the
northern part of the island, sloping gently down towards the south.
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Climbing towards the ruins.
The largest structures are largely concentrated in two groups in the
centre and in the north of the island.
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Topoxte Island measures roughly 450 metres (1,480 ft) from north to
south and 400 metres (1,300 ft) from east to west, it has a crescent
shape with a bay on the west side.
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It is the largest of the three principal islands and contains the
remains of around 100 structures, as well as the principal ceremonial
centre of the city.
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The Main Square.
Blandine Gautier gives us some information about the importance of the
main square and the buildings that are located in it.
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The Main Square is built upon an artificial platform constructed with
more than 9 metres (30 ft) of fill.
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It is roughly rectangular with a surface area of approximately 1,410
square metres (15,200 sq ft), it is one of the highest squeres on the
island.
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The Main Square is open on the west side and bordered on the north by
Building G, on the south by Building B and on the east by Buildings C,
D and E.
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The majority of worked monuments at Topoxte are located in the
southwest corner of this square.
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The Main Square was the focus of activity from very early in the
history of the site, with an offering dating to the Middle Preclassic
being found in front of Building E and further Middle Preclassic
evidence being found in deep levels in front of Building D. However,
the square did not reach its maximum size until the Postclassic.
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Building C.
Building C is perhaps the best example of Postclassic architecture in
the Petén region.
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It is located on the east side of the Main Plaza and is a stepped
pyramid with three platforms, measuring 2.45 metres (8.0 ft), 2.2
metres (7.2 ft) and 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) high.
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The pyramid has a steep stairway ascending from the plaza on the west
side of the building at an angle of 49°.
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A fourth level is built upon the three platforms, with its own access
stairway climbing from the top platform.
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This fourth level supported the temple building, which originally had
walls approximately 4.8 metres (16 ft) high and 0.8 metres (31 in)
thick.
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The temple building was divided into two rooms covering an area of
10.9 by 6.8 metres (36 by 22 ft).
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The rooms were divided by a wall and two columns, and a 10-centimetre
(3.9 in) step.
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The entrance to the temple is divided into three 1-metre (3.3 ft) wide
sections divided by two columns.
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The stone construction was originally covered with stucco or
whitewash.
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See also
Source
Location
