Temple IV



Farther away from the complex containing the Great Plaza exists another magnificent Temple. Known as Temple IV, this stone edifice was built by Ah Cacau's son around 741 AD. It towers 212 feet above the jungle floor, making it the tallest structure in North America before the construction of the skyscrapers in the late 1800's. Looking out from the top of the Temple IV, over the jungle canopy, it is possible to see the Great Plaza and Mundo Perdido in the distance. The view is ethereal, no doubt an intention of the builder. All of the temples lit up at night must have created a majestic sight in this ancient city.

Peering back into the interior of the temple, you may be surprised by the minute size of the chambers. The Maya constructed large, imposing exteriors, but the interiors of the ceremonial chambers were not of the same scale. The beauty of these chambers was expressed not in grandness of scale, but in the wall glyphs and decor that once graced their walls.

Great Plaza, North Acropolis - audio of storm approaching.Great Plaza, North Acropolis.Temple II - top of Temple of the Masks.Great Plaza, courtyard with stelae. Central Acropolis - view of ball court.Interior of structure with vaulted roof.Temple IV - view from top of temple opening.Jungle Trail - audio of howler monkeys.Groupo G - Palace of the Verticle Grooves.Mundo Perdido - top of temple.Mundo Perdido - from top of temple. Temple IV and Temple II visible.Mundo Perdido - platform in jungle with audio of birds.Map of Tikal

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