Edzna

For the railway station, see Edzná railway station.

Edzna

Shown within Campeche Edzna (Mexico)
Alternative name	House of the Itzaes
Location	Campeche, Mexico
Coordinates
History
Material	Limestone
Abandoned	c. 1500 AD
Cultures	Maya
Site notes
Discovered	1907
Excavation dates	1958-
Public access	yes

Edzná ("House of the Itzaes") is a Mayan archaeological site in the north of the Mexican state of Campeche. The site has been open to visitors since the 1970s.

The most remarkable building at the site is the main temple located at the plaza. Built on a platform 40 m high, it provides a wide overview of the surroundings. Another significant building located in the plaza is the ball court, composed of two parallel structures. The top rooms of the ball court were possibly used to store images of the gods associated with the events, along with items needed for the games.

Edzná was already inhabited by 400 BC, and was abandoned c. 1500 AD. During the time of occupation, a government was set up whose power was legitimized by the relationship between governors and the deities. In the Late Classic period, Edzná was part of the Calakmul polity. The city may have been inhabited by as early as 600 BC, but it took until 200 AD before it developed into a major city. The architectural style of this site shows signs of the Puuc style, although it is far from the Puuc Hills sites. The decline and eventual abandonment of Edzná remains a mystery today.

Edzná was discovered in 1907, and the first organized excavations began in 1958. In 1986, coordinating agencies began to employ Guatemalan refugees in the excavation, restoration, and maintenance at Edzná. This project was funded by various international organizations.

Plaza of Edzná, viewed from the main temple

Plaza of Edzná, viewed from ground level in 2015.

External links

• Edzna travel guide from Wikivoyage
• Edzná Photo Essay
• Edzná on AmazingTemples.com (en)