Tikal - Interior of structure

Here, the undersized nature of the inner rooms is apparent once again. This view of the interior gives a more detailed look at the architectural design. The Maya didn't know the true arch, but came close with the corbelled arch. They placed blocks on top of one another, successively inching each wall toward the opposing. The final block capped the top and completed the 'arch.' Another point of interest here is the exposed wooden lintels. Made of chicozapote wood, these beams are the original ones that the Mayans laboriously carved and placed in the temple.

The wood's integrity today is testament to its incredible strength and durability. Carved with intricate glyphs while the wood was still fresh, the wood cured and hardened to iron-like strength. Imagine what these small chambers were like in the times of the ancient Maya. Perhaps they were covered with jaguar pelts, assorted pottery, and symbolic religious effects. The painted rooms, with exquisite glyphs covering the walls, would have depicted ancient custom and history.