History of Tikal

• Archaeologists believe that Tikal may have been settled as early at 800 to 600 B.C., but the majority of the pyramids and other structures were not built until the Classic Period of the Maya that occurred from A.D. 250 to 900. The key to the history of the Maya is understanding their writing because the Maya kept a detailed calendar and history written on the walls of their structures. According to "Smithsonian Magazine," nearly 85 percent of the Mayan hieroglyphics, which are a combination of symbols that represent both words and syllabic sounds, are understood by archaeologists. These hieroglyphics detail the rulers of Tikal and the defeats and victories of the city-state.
  
  

Temple Pyramids of Tikal

• The most visible pyramids at Tikal were constructed during the late resurgence of Tikal during the rule of Hasaw Chan K'awil and his son, Yik'in. Temples I through IV were built during their rule and Temples V and VI were built shortly after their reigns. The tallest pyramid at Tikal is Temple IV at 230 feet and commemorates the rule of Yik'in. Temple I is nine tiers tall and was built over the tomb of Hasaw Chan K'awil. Temple II was built earlier and honors Lady Macaw, Hasaw Chan K'awil's wife. Temple III is the last large structure built at Tikal and honors the ruler Chi'taam who was the last great ruler of Tikal. Temple V's origins are largely unknown. The Temple of Inscriptions or Temple VI features hieroglyphics that detail the history of the rule of Yik'in.
  
  

The Twin Pyramids of Tikal

• The twin pyramids of Tikal were built to commemorate events and rituals within Tikal life. The seven of these structures at Tikal feature two pyramids with two smaller buildings in a north-south, east-west pattern. Little is known about the events commemorated by each structure. Complex Q was built to mark the end of a Katun or 20-year period within the Mayan calendar. Complex N was built by Hasaw Chan K'awil to mark the end of another Katun, and Complex P was built by his son, Yik'in.
  
  

Lost World of Tikal

• The Lost World of Tikal holds the oldest structures within the remains of the ancient city. The Lost World holds 38 structures including the Complex for Astronomical Commemoration. This complex's arrangement is associated with the movement of the stars and the timing of equinoxes and solstices. The Lost World also holds the four-sided Great Pyramid that features masks and stairs on each side. Archaeologists believe the Lost World was sacred to the Maya because it held its earliest structures of their civilization at Tikal. The Lost World was never built over, unlike other areas of Tikal.
  
  

The End of Tikal

• The end of Tikal correlates with the end of the Mayan civilization due to reasons still uncertain. The last structure was erected in Tikal in A.D. 869, while the last structure of the Mayan civilization was erected in A.D. 909. There are many theories to why the civilization floundered, but the collapse is usually associated with a great drought and famine. This famine may have worked in combination with overpopulation, environmental stress and intercity wars to end the Mayan civilization.