Bonampak

A small, Late Classic Period (c 800 AD) Maya site and ceremonial center in Chiapas, a satellite of Yaxchilán located on a tributary of the Usumacinta. The discovery in 1946 of the magnificent murals in the rooms of an otherwise modest structure astounded the archaeological world. From the floors to vault capstones, its stuccoed walls were covered with highly realistic polychrome scenes of a jungle battle, the arraignment of prisoners, and victory ceremonies. These shed an entirely new light on the nature of Maya society, which up until then had been considered peaceful. These murals are the most complete graphic portrayal of Maya life known. Hieroglyphs also occur frequently and the whole collection is seen as a continuous narrative.

A Maya ceremonial centre located close to the Lacanha River in the tropical rain-forest of northeast Chiapas, Mexico. Dating to the Late Classic Period (c450-750), it is most notable for its polychrome murals which can be tightly dated to 800 on the basis of long count inscriptions. The so-called Temple of the Paintings consists of three rooms, painted from floor to ceiling with scenes of ceremony, battle and sacrifice. Hieroglyphs also occur frequently and the whole collection is seen as a continuous narrative (showing the battle itself, the disposal of the captives and the victory celebration). Aside from the artistic achievement, the murals provide remarkably detailed information on Maya dress, music and weaponry.