Cosmology in the Twin Pyramid Complex Q of Tikal, Guatemala

Last time we discussed Maya city planning and introduced Wendy Ashmore’s five principle components of the Classic Maya cosmological city template, which were: 1) a distinct north-south axis in the site organization, 2) a mutually complementary functional dualism between the north and south ends of this axis, often suggested to represent the diametrically opposed heavens and Xibalba, 3) additional east and west elements that form a triangle with the north, 4) a sacred ball court which in many cases serves as a transition between the north and south, and finally 5) the use of raised causeways to emphasize the connection of the above mentioned elements. [1] Having previously discussed the north-south axis of city alignments, here I will present an example of a site which most clearly demonstrates the second and third of these principles, the double pyramid complex of Tikal.

In the year 771 AD, or 9.17.0.0.0 in the Maya Long Count, the twenty-ninth dynastic ruler of Tikal, lord Yax Nuun Ahin II, built the twin pyramid complex that modern archaeologists designate Complex Q, to commemorate the ending of current K’atun. The K’atun was a unit of time in the Long Count equaling 20 years (or 7,200 days), and the end of such periods was cause for celebration. Nineteen years later in 790 AD, or 9.18.0.0.0, still in power, Yax Nuun Ahin II began construction on another twin pyramid complex to celebrate the end of yet another K’atun. This 'mirror image' complex would later be designated Complex R. These can be located center right on the site map below.

The complex was built upon a raised platform, and consisted of four main structures. One the east side of the platform was the first a pair of pyramids. The front of this eastern pyramid, shown in the image on top, was lined with Stela and Altar pairs, the inscriptions of which are no longer readable. The western pyramid was not accompanied by the Stela and Altars. At the southern extreme was a long stone building, and at the north an open-roofed structure housed a larger Stela and Altar pair. These last two structures comprise the 'mutually complementary functional dualism between the north and south ends of this axis', while the the east and west pyramid, representing holy witz mountains, formed the triangle with the northern Stela and Altar pair.

Ashmore suggests that ‘… whereas the east and west pyramids of these groups indicate the rise and setting points of the sun, the north and south positions mark "moments between" sunrise and sunset in this case, metaphorically, the heavens and the underworld rather than what we take to be "north" and "south." The implication of this interpretation is that rulers whose portrait stelae occupy the northern enclosures of these groups are themselves metaphorically transported to the heavens where they join royal ancestors and the midday sun as emblems of strength and authority.’ [3]

The above image shows that The western pyramid of Complex Q has yet to be excavated. At the southern most point of the complex is an elongated stone building with nine doors, one for each of the nine Lords of the Night. This structure was the representation of Xibalba, the Maya underworld.

As Ashmore points out, the northern most structure of the complex represented the heavens, the concept of 'up', and the holy nature of royalty. It was this open air strucure that housed the royal stele.

To the west of these structures is the older Complex O built 9.15.0.0.0, and following the raised causeway north is Complex P which commemorates the K'atun ending 9.16.0.0.0. Other smaller twin pyramid complexes at Tikal, Groups L, M, and N, are not as well preserved. But perhaps the most important structure cosmologically, astronomically, and religiously is the 'E-Group' complex named Mundo Perdido, which will be visited next.

References:

[1] Ashmore, Wendy, ‘Site-Planning Principles and Concepts of Directionality among the Ancient Maya’, Latin American Antiquity, Vol. 2, No. 3 (Sep., 1991), p. 200

[2] Simon Martin and Nickolai Grube, Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens,(New York: Thames and Hudson, 2000), p. 52

[3] Ashmore, Wendy and Jeremy A. Sabloff ‘Spatial Orders in Maya Civic Plans‘, Latin American Antiquity, Vol. 13, No. 2 (Jun., 2002), pp. 201-215

NOTE: Photos of Complex Q, Tikal, Guatemala by Christopher Layser May 25th, 2014