Central Acropolis
The Central Acropolis of the ancient Maya city of Tikal is an architectural complex located immediately to the south of the Great Plaza.
[1] Tikal is one of the most important archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization and is located in the Petén Department of northern Guatemala.
These early remains have been discovered in various locations beneath later structures, suggesting that the entire area of the Central Acropolis extends back to the earliest period of activity.
As the acropolis developed, these were overlain by later architecture but the area covered by the complex remained within the early-established boundaries.
Maler described the Central Acropolis as a labyrinthine multi-storey complex with several preserved wooden lintels, one of which was sculpted.
[9] As the complex developed over time, it expanded upwards with the superposition of new architecture, rather than outwards to cover a greater area.
These uses would parallel functions represented in similar contexts after Spanish contact with the Postclassic period Maya.
[9] The courtyards were enclosed by a labyrinthine mass of multi-level architecture decorated with complex sculpture representing mythic and historical subjects, combined with hieroglyphic texts.
A hieroglyphic inscription on a ceramic vessel interred under the principal western stairway identifies the building as the residence of king Chak Tok Ich'aak I,[16] who reigned from c. 360 until his violent death in 378 AD.
[17] Structure 5D-46 was a single-storey palace built upon a raised platform, with stairways giving access on the east and west sides.
[6] 5D-57 has not been completely excavated, but when the exterior of this complex building was uncovered, two images of a ruler were revealed, accompanied by a short hieroglyphic text.
The scene celebrates the capture of an important person allied with Calakmul by Tikal king Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I.
The room's interior possesses a large, recessed false doorway opposite the exterior door, designed to give the illusion of a temple when viewed from below.
