Calakmul Mayan Site
The city was uncovered in the Maya lowlands. Through the city of the Snake Kingdom there are over 6,000 ancient ruins left in near perfect condition by the Mayans. One of the largest ruins found anywhere in the Mayan world is Calakmul's great pyramid. The structure stands at almost 150 ft, or 48 meters, of heavy and hard to find stone blocks. It is believed that the Mayans built a new pyramid on top of the old ones in 57-year cycles. The great pyramid of Calakmul has not only served as a temple for the governance, but as a tomb, too. Researchers and archeologists have discovered 4 ancient tombs built into the Mayan pyramid.
The Ancient Mayan Cold War
The first war that the Kingdom of the Snake got involved in was with the Mayan people of Tikal. The leaders of the Calakmul were threatened by the growing power of Tikal. Usually, in early Mayan society there was one large dominant city in a single area and the other smaller cities fed off of it and pledged their allegiance to that one city. In the Maya lowlands, this was not the case.
The two competing cities fought each other through resources and allies. At first, the Kingdom of the Snake had all but extinguished the power of Tikal by absorbing its allies, and so their resources. They should have destroyed the city when they had the chance, because not even 5 decades later the tables had turned and Tikal had regained their former glory… and a large part of Calakmul.
Calakmul vs. Palenque
Calakmul attacked the people of Palenque for their land and resources. This attack was orchestrated and led by the Calakmul's king, Uneh Chan. His predecessor kept things nice between the two cities; ironically his name was First Axewielder. Axewielder only lasted 6 years before he died. The new king refused to see peace between the two cities.
The following attack is one of the best documented of any ancient battle. Even the exact date of the battle is known, April 23, 599 A.D. The Kingdom of the Snake invaded Palenque and destroyed it thoroughly. Palenque recorded the battle and defeat on a long series of hieroglyphs that maintained a rivalry between the two cities.
Before the quick downfall of the early Mayans, Calakmul decided to sack them, again, on April 6, 611 A.D to show the Palenque people what their place was among their rivalry, their place was the bottom. This attack was so fast that Palenque never had time to respond to it properly.
Check out the amazing Calakmul Tour
See the Calakmul Pictures
More info on Mayan Cities: History of Tikal.
