Tikal Temple VI (Temple of the Inscriptions)
Tikal Temple 6 · Temple of the Inscriptions · Tikal VI
Late Classic (Tepeu 2)·Maya (Tikal dynasty)·🇬🇹 Petén, Tikal — southeast causeway terminus, beyond Temple IV, Guatemala
About
About Tikal Temple VI (Temple of the Inscriptions)
Late Classic pyramid-temple at Tikal — Temple VI (Temple of the Inscriptions) is a 12 m high pyramid with huge 12 m roof comb bearing a 180-glyph text, longest surviving Tikal inscription (766 CE, under Yik'in Chan K'awiil). Base 28×20 m. Located at SE causeway end, opposite Temple IV. Glyphs record Tikal's history 200 BCE–766 CE and warfare vs Naranjo. Excavated by Tikal Project but roof comb scaffolding only. Shows Late Classic Tikal historiography.
Why it mattersLongest legible Tikal hieroglyphic text (180 glyphs) documenting 900-year history and Late Classic war narrative.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Full decipherment gaps in last 40 glyphs
- 02Why at remote SE causeway vs Central Acropolis
Theories
- 01Temple VI crowns a residential ballcourt elite complex distinct from dynastic centre
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. 766 CE (Yik'in Chan K'awiil, Late Classic)
- Period
- Late Classic (Tepeu 2)
- Culture
- Maya (Tikal dynasty)
- Builders
- Yik'in Chan K'awiil
- Purpose
- Commemorative inscription temple-pyramid
- Abandoned
- c. 900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 1951 (D. Shook) / mapped 1960s Coe
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 766 CE (Yik'in Chan K'awiil, Late Classic)
Initial construction
c. 1407 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
17.2206° N · 89.6194° W · 260 m · 3 mapped features
Temple VI pyramid base
pyramid28×20 m pyramid with temple atop
17.2206° N · 89.6194° WRoof comb glyph panel
inscription12 m comb with 180 glyphs
17.2205° N · 89.6194° WSE causeway
causewayCauseway link to Central Tikal 800 m
17.2208° N · 89.6200° W
Gallery