Dzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇲🇽 Quintana Roo, Dzibanché, Mexico
About
About Dzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair
Dzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair in Quintana Roo, Dzibanché, Mexico is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 18.6380N -88.7590E controls access to Quintana Roo resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Quintana Roo, Dzibanché, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1999 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Dzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair main structure
c. 1939
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1999–2014
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Dzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
18.6380° N · 88.7590° W · 353 m · 3 mapped features
Dzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
18.6388° N · 88.7581° WDzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
18.6370° N · 88.7597° WDzibanche Temple of the Captives Stair — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
18.6395° N · 88.7578° W