EK BALAM

Ek'balam dates back to 300 B.C., before the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadores; it has emerged as one of the most important archaeological zones of the late classic period, and as a valuable source of Epigraphic information.  Important decorative samples showcase unique decorative art in the Maya Area.  According to written sources dating to the XVI Century, this pre-Hispanic city was part of a great empire named Talol, founded by a man known as EK'Balam (Black or dark Jaguar") or Coch Cal Balam who had come from the East.  Ek' Balam shares characteristics common to the most important ancient Maya cities, including monumental architecture, walls, stele and so-called Serpent Hieroglyphics, beautiful sculptures carved of blocks of stone, a ball court, a network of roads as well as texts written in glyphs.