Tikal Temple I, a photo from Peten, North

Photographer's Note

The Maya of Tikal considered Temple I the portal to the Underworld. Ha Sawa Chaan K’awil brought Tikal back to its position of wealth and power. He lived a long life (60 to 80 years), leading a series of successful wars against his enemies and seeing Tikal return to its greatness under his reign. Yikin, his son, sealed the tomb after his father's death, before construction began on the temple. Being buried in this spot was a huge break with tradition. Before this time, for more than 500 years, all the rulers of Tikal were buried in the North Acropolis. His royal tomb included several kilos of jade, shells and pottery.

Temple 1 was built around the year 700 A.D. between the Central and the North Acropolises and faces west, toward the setting sun. It stands 45 meters high or 144.36 ft.

Ha Sawa Chaan K'awil was almost 6 ft. tall and his body was left under Temple I after his death with a richly adorned burial, which was excavated by archaeologist Aubrey Trik in 1962. The temple complex may represent the Full Cycle of Life itself.

This image was taken looking east from Temple II, which you are allowed to climb up.

There are two more shots of this temple in the workshop.

Source: (TikalPark)

snunney, npecanhuk, PaulVDV, Graal ha contrassegnato questa nota come utile

Critiques | Translate

batalay (41261) 2009-06-20 21:31

Hello Chris,

On two occasions in the the 1970s I climbed the Temple I (Temple of the Giant Jaguar) and had a view of the Temple II, from where you've taken this photograph. You've produced a picture postcard of the magnificent edifice, but without the throngs of tourists that usually mob the scene. Did you ever see the film Apocalypto (2006) in which the pyramid is used in one of the scenes?

Warm regards,

Bulent

AKITA (15125) 2009-06-20 23:32

dear Chris Chafer,
a very clear and refined picture of the famous ruin.
its wonder and mysterious figure is nicely captured with beautiful sky and forest.
maybe it is clearly seen from the satellite.
thank you,
Akihisa

snunney (130967) 2009-06-21 1:35

Hello Chris,
A great composition of this ancient monument now surrounded by greenery. I like the interesting sky which adds to the mood and creates a nice light. Very good colours and sharpness.

giorgimer (35017) 2009-06-21 3:31

Hi Chris,

extraordinary view, wonderful subject, excellent sharpness.

Very well done!

Gio

npecanhuk (79329) 2009-06-21 5:47

Hello Chris!
A very good picture of this temple!
With excellent photo quality you could translate into image all the mistery it seems to exist there!
I really like it!
TFS - congratulations!
My warmest regards and greetings from Brazil,
Neyvan

PaulVDV (54809) 2009-06-21 10:55

Hello Chris,
Splendid presentation of this temple rising above the tropical forest.
The sky is also very beautiful and the red leaves of that one tree contrast nice with the other colours.
Best regards, Paul

hopsy_life (101) 2009-06-22 5:25

Excellent shot, very nice image. Beautiful details. Well done.

jlbrthnn (76041) 2009-06-22 6:26

Hello Chris,
The natural light and colors, clearness are very pleasant characteristics to contemplate this astonishing religious architecture, in the middle of a dense and coloured vegetation. Congratulations.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

sacavem (18620) 2009-06-25 7:13

Olá Chris,

Very beautiful landscape with lovely colours. Amazing tones, very good sharpness and very well framed.
TFS and greetings,
Filipe

Graal (103040) 2009-06-25 23:50

Hi Chris,
great Maya Temple, well presentation, good shot. An interesting informations. Well done photo. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

Clementi (52514) 2009-07-01 13:50

Ciao Chris,
an imposing testimony of the greatness of this civilization. fantastic image in the colors and with an extraordinary sky.
compliments
Giorgio

sebinho342 (19329) 2009-08-04 5:57

not so often that i see picture of tikal ... for sure that remote place deserve the trip, between quintana roo and guatemala :-)
technically a nice picture, strong contrasts but i think this is how you saw that place at the moment through your sun glasses ;-)