Temple I at Tikal

This is perhaps the single best example of the Tikal style of architecture in ceremonial structures. Note the stepped buttresses of the pyramid, the narrow, steep staircase, the small temple at the top, culminating in a huge 'comb' of carved limestone. The Maya built primarily in stone, but because the Maya did not have knowledge of the true arch, their strucures had to be much more massive that those at sites elsewhere in the world where the arch was employed in construction in order to support the narrow, corbeled roofs.

	1. Contents 2. Introduction 3. Mesoamerica Map 4. Overview Map 5. Core Map 6. Acropolis 7. North Acropolis 8. Central Acropolis 9. Living Courts 10. Palace Structures 11. Palace Range Struc. 12. Temple I 13. Conclusion Courseware Page
Comments to: george@id.ucsb.edu All contents copyright © 1990-1998, The Regents of The University of California. All rights reserved.