The extent of the site is no more than , however, the core is only a third of that. The architecture shares affinities with other sites such as Yaxchilan, Palenque, Lacanha and Bonampak but nevertheless also has unique elements. The key example of these is Structure 13 on the North Acropolis (see below).
The North Acropolis The North Acropolis is a Maya
Palace, a complex that includes elite dwellings, temples and spaces for meetings. It was built around a natural hill that was modified to accommodate the structures. The hill measures in height, and at least 19 structures were built on it. On the north side, a series of four structures on rising terraces makes the acropolis similar to that of Piedras Negras. The presence of fine-paste ceramics and other items on the complex indicates that it was occupied through the Late Classic. In 2012, a
theater dating from the Terminal Classic (ca. 800–900 C.E.) was discovered here. A patio surrounded by buildings dating from 250–500 C.E. was customised to make way for three wide bleachers. The external wall of another structure was demolished to make way for a stage. Judging by its size and location, it was intended for a select group of 120 people at most. The theater may have been part of a program to legitimise a new dynasty at Plan de Ayutla that seems to have come to power around 850 C.E. At the same structure, a bath for a member of the elite was discovered, complete with a drainage system. It is one of only four discovered in Mexico that date from pre-Hispanic times (the others being at Palenque, Tonina and Teotihuacan). Ceramics used to hold water for the bath were discovered in an adjoining room. Also, in 2011, the remains of an earlier patio surrounded by residential structures were discovered under later buildings of the acropolis, dating from between 50 B.C.E. and 50 C.E. These kind of constructions have not been found at other sites in the region until ca. 250 C.E. The structures have rounded corners, a feature of early Maya architecture. Most of the buildings had their upper parts torn down and used to fill the earlier structure with rubble in order to build the more recent structures. •
Structure 4 is on the second terrace from the top. It was built ca. 800 C.E. Metal cooking utensils have been found here dating from 900–1000 C.E., making archaeologists think that this was a kitchen or pantry. Two burials from the same period have been discovered nearby within a modified staircase. One of the remains is female and was buried with female clay figurines and cooking utensils.
The East Acropolis Also built on an adapted natural hill, the acropolis consists of four buildings around a central plaza. Archaeologists suspect that a staircase once descended to the southeast, towards Plaza Tut. A burial has been found at the foot of this possible stairway, with the presence of fine paste ceramics that associate it with the Late Classic. The exact nature of this complex has not been determined, but the massive Structure 58 suggests residential use, while a looted tomb suggests funerary use. The small spaces here lead archaeologists to believe it was for the use of a select elite, while the nature of the structures indicate religious use. •
Structure 26 was a large stepped platform accessible from the north by a stairway that no longer exists, with a ruined temple on top of it. It has been nicknamed the
Temple of Inscriptions. •
Structure 32 was a stepped platform of five levels with a staircase and temple on top of it. ==Notes==