Tikal Temple V
Templo V · Pyramid V, Tikal
Early Late Classic c. 650–700 CE·Maya (Tikal)·🇬🇹 Petén, Tikal South Zone, Guatemala
About
About Tikal Temple V
Second tallest Tikal pyramid 57 m high south complex behind Palace: oldest of major Tikal temples (c. 650–700), with two talud-tablero influenced early masks and massive sheer limestone platform. Unusual rounded corners and small summit shrine accessed by steep double stair and palace bridge. Most massive but dainty temple; astronomically aligned to capture zenith passage.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Owner tomb not found despite 7 m wide chamber
Theories
- 01Architectural conservatism retains Teotihuacan-style apron moulding reflecting Tikal-Teotihuacan alliance memory
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. 650 CE (Núñez Ch'apat?)
- Period
- Early Late Classic c. 650–700 CE
- Culture
- Maya (Tikal)
- Purpose
- Uncertain – possibly mortuary for undetermined ruler or astronomical observatory for zach?
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 650 CE (Núñez Ch'apat?)
Initial construction
c. 1601 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
17.2197° N · 89.6237° W · 260 m · 3 mapped features
Summit temple 3 chambers
templeTiny vaulted summit shrine
17.2197° N · 89.6237° WNiche masks north façade
maskTeotihuacan-style talud-tablero masks
17.2197° N · 89.6239° WSouth causeway connection
causewayCauseway to palace reservoir
17.2195° N · 89.6230° W
Gallery