Triadic Temples, Central Plazas, and Dynastic Palaces: A Diachronic Analysis of the Royal Court Complex, Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico

A diachronic analysis of the Royal Court Complex at Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico, reveals that the city's political and economic structure was characterized by a triadic form of governance, similar to historical Maya models. The study demonstrates that elite structures, including temples, central plazas, and dynastic palaces, were not only symbols of power but also accessible to the public, as evidenced by the distribution of figurines within these spaces. This finding challenges traditional perceptions of Maya urban planning and provides insight into the social dynamics of one of the most significant regional capitals in the lowland Maya area.

Folan, W. J., Gunn, J. D., & Carrasco, M. D. R. D. (2018). Triadic Temples, Central Plazas, and Dynastic Palaces: A Diachronic Analysis of the Royal Court Complex, Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico. Royal Courts of the Ancient Maya, 223–265. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429497537-8