Find the amazing remains of a long-lost empire, with tall temples and beautiful monuments, remnants of a once powerful Mayan civilization.
Toniná is a Mayan archaeological site in Chiapas, a state in south México. In the Mayan language of Tzeltal, its name means “la casa de piedra” (the stone house) or “el lugar donde se levantan esculturas en piedra, en honor del tiempo” (the place where stone sculptures are built in honor of time). Visit Toniná to see the spectacular ruins of an ancient metropolis and marvel at the artistic ability and rich culture of its original inhabitants.
The Mexican ruins have palaces, a labyrinth, tombs and temples dedicated to Mayan gods. Look for more than 100 carved monuments and well-preserved sculptures made with stucco, a durable building material.
Gaze up at the 243-foot-high (74-meter) pyramid, one of the tallest in México. Discover more than 300 hieroglyphic texts found at the site, some dedicated to the severe city rulers.
Take stunning photos of the temple-pyramids set on different terraces rising above a large court where residents played El juego de pelota Mesoamericano (the Mesoamerican ballgame). Find the famous Palacio del Inframundo (Palace of the Underworld) in the second terrace of the ruins. The Templo de los Prisioneros (Temple of the Prisoners) is here. The Templo del Espejo Humeante (Temple of the Smoking Mirror) occupies the highest terrace.
Learn about Toniná’s once-great military might and how its people used warfare to develop a rich kingdom. One of Toniná’s greatest rivals throughout its history was Palenque, another important Mayan city in Chiapas. Much of the public imagery of the site is dedicated to war prisoners and details the way the city dealt with its enemies. A stucco sculpture rises from the fourth terrace and depicts a death god carrying the head of a lord of Palenque in one hand.
While you are in Toniná be sure to visit the Museo de Sitio de Toniná, a museum just outside the archaeological zone. Learn about Mayan mythology and how it relates to the ancient city. Examine beautiful stone sculptures, ceramics and artifacts found at the site.
