Archaeological sites in Chiapas: Maya sites in Chiapas, Palenque, Yaxchilan, Toniná, Izapa, Temple of the Inscriptions, Chiapa de Corzo, Bonampak, Tortuguero, Paso de la Amada, Chinkultic, Jolja, Chiapas highlands

Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 27. Chapters: Maya sites in Chiapas, Palenque, Yaxchilan, Toniná, Izapa, Temple of the Inscriptions, Chiapa de Corzo, Bonampak, Tortuguero, Paso de la Amada, Chinkultic, Jolja', Chiapas highlands. Excerpt: Yaxchilan (also sometimes historically referred to by the names Menché and City Lorillard) is an ancient Maya city located on the bank of the Usumacinta River in what is now the state of Chiapas, Mexico. In the Late Classic Period Yaxchilan was one of the most powerful Maya states along the course of the Usumacinta, with Piedras Negras as its major rival. Architectural styles in subordinate sites in the Usumacinta region demonstrate clear differences that mark a clear boundary between the two kingdoms. Yaxchilan was a large center, important throughout the Classic era, and the dominant power of the Usumacinta River area. It dominated such smaller sites as Bonampak, and had a long rivalry with Piedras Negras and at least for a time with Tikal; it was a rival of Palenque, with which Yaxchilan warred in 654. The site is particularly known for its well-preserved sculptured stone lintels set above the doorways of the main structures. These lintels, together with the stelae erected before the major buildings, contain hieroglyphic texts describing the dynastic history of the city. The ancient name for the city was probably Pa' Chan. Yaxchilan means "green stones" in Maya. Yaxchilan is located on the south bank of the Usumacinta River, at the apex of a horseshoe-shaped meander. This loop defends the site on all sides except for a narrow land approach from the south. The site is 40 kilometres (25 mi) upriver from the ruins of Piedras Negras, its major rival. Yaxchilan is 21 kilometres (13 mi) from the ruins of Bonampak. The site lies in Ocosingo Municipality in the state of Chiapas, on the Mexican side of the international border with Guatemala, which follows the line of river. It is 80 kilometres (50 mi) downriver from the Maya site Altar de Sacrificios. All dates AD. Moon Skull was the seventh known ruler of Yaxchilan and ruled in the 5th century. His name is not an actual reference to the moon but is rather the Maya word for a spear-thrower. Bird Jaguar II was the eighth