Postclassic Cities of the Yucatan Peninsula

The terrain and climate of the Yucatan Peninsula differ greatly from the more dense, tropical territories of the Classic Maya cities. The area is flat, dry with no surface water; cenotes were greatly honored as the only source of water. Cave systems were widely utilized as places of ritual prayers, sacrifice and pilgrimages. The city of Uxmal built some of the most beautiful and unusual structures of the entire Maya world. Like all Maya cities, Uxmal’s major buildings were astronomically aligned.