Mel and Wes Stories: Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan (Mexico)

Mexico: Mayan Ruins

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Lesson: Mayan Ruins in the Yucatán Setting the scene: Dad finishes teaching computer courses for the week and the family takes a trip to the Yucatán peninsula. They see several sites, including the best one at Palenque, which is in Chiapas province. People in This Story: Dad; Juan (park official); Mel; Mom; Wes Brand Name or Company Name item is in green. Slang terms are linked to the Slang Dictionary. Click on the term to view its meaning. "Speed Talk" is in pink; meaning is in [brackets]. Story: Wes: Look at Dad. He reminds me of Indiana Jones while he stands near the palace. Mel: And how! He's having a blast in all these ruins. Dad: Do any of you want to go inside the pyramid with me? A ruler once was buried inside. We have time before going to Edzná. Mom: Everybody, be careful in this humid climate. It can be debilitating. Wes: I agree. This heat is making me feel dead tired. Mel: I'm starting to feel all in, too. [They finish examining ruins at Palenque and continue the trip to Uxmal. They also meet a park official named Juan.] Juan: Notice the unique rounded shape of this structure, which we call Pyramid of the Magician. It is located not far from the ball court. Wes: Why did most Mayan cities have ball courts? Did they enjoy playing sports as we do today? Juan: Not exactly. Often they were part of a religious ceremony. Sometimes the losers or winners were sacrificed. Wes: Bummer! Better not to be a participant. Mom: Did the Mayans also build Chichén-Itzá? Juan: Yes, but some authorities believe the Toltec people later conquered the city and built the Temple of Warriors. Dad: I recall that the Toltecs originally came from Tula. Juan: You are correct. Mel: What about the big stone heads at La Venta? Who carved them? Juan: Olmec people made those over 1,000 years before the Mayans. [The family travels to the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan in central Mexico. Click here to see the following story: Teotihuacan Pyramids.]