Ruinas Kohunlích Things to Do

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To one side of Merwin Plaza is the Temple of the Twin Columns, so-called because of a double line of short columns lining its entrance.

According to our guide, this feature of twin columns is unique to Konulich among the Mayan archeological sites.

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To the extreme east of the Plaza of the Stelae lies the Temple of the Stelae, also sometimes called the Palace of the Stelae, built around 600 A.D. At the base of this impressive structure stand three plain stelas which were probably stuccoed and painted in pre-Hispanic times.

A stelae is an ancient stone monument.

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The Plaza of the Stelae constitutes the central space of the Kohunlich archeological site. It is one of the largest in the south of the state of Quintana Roo. This would have been the scene of various public events and ceremonies among the Mayan people who built and inhabited this ancient city.

With a little imagination one can see the parade of human activity that took place here between 800 and 1400 years ago, although it is very peaceful and quite today.

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The Acropolis, the largest structure in Konhulich, was originally a "c" shaped building. It's most notable feature is the false steps on the North and East sides. Also, it has a vaulted interior eight meters high. The Acropolis is built in the Rio Bec style from Campeche.

This building was later covered entirely by a huge platform which may have held a residential complex with restricted access. Another residential wing seems to have been added toward the southwest at a later period. Ancient graffiti can still be seen on some of the interior stuccoed walls.

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To the south of the Plaza of the Stelae, shaded by tall, Cohune palm trees, lies the Merwin Plaza, named after the man who discovered the city of Kohunlich. Surrounding this plaza are very low, ruined buildings.

This small square was built after the Plaza of the Stelae, perhaps to be used as a center for minor ceremonies. It is built in Rio Bec style. The buildings are lined with stuccoed figures, all painted in red.

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On the east side of Merwin's Court is Kohunlich's Ball Court. It is fairly well-preserved and is exceptional because of its short length - 42 meters. Most Mayan sites of importance have such a court; many are larger.

The game played here had great symbolic content, which appears to have been related to a belief in the hereafter and to sacrificial rites.

According to our Mayan guide, young men who were the WINNERS in the game were put to death by decapitation, so that they could become rulers in the next world. They were assured of clear passage to Mayan Heaven without taking the intervening thirteen steps that the losing players have to do.

I suppose they must have been brainwashed from a very early age to believe such a notion. This reminds me of the same kind of blind faith that is instilled into young men of the Muslim religion who volunteer themselves to become suicide bombers, on the promise that they will be given a harem of virgins in paradise.

Some believe that in the Mayan games it was not the winners but the losers of the game who were sacrificed by being put to death. Perhaps it was either one or the other - depending upon the particular game being played.

On the far end of Merwin Plaza, across from the Temple of the twin columns, is what remains of the Building of the Eleven Doors. There's not much left to this ruin, and it would probably take an archeologist to determine that this structure once had eleven doors. Today the place is wide open.

Kinichna is close by and contains a single large temple. This temple is unique as it has a giant base for a foundation. There is a large structure as you drive up the road to get to the site, which is under reconstruction. Kinichna is not listed on some maps.