Yaxchilan

Yaxchilan is a Classic Maya city located on the Usumacinta River in Chiapas, Mexico. It is only accessible by taking a motorboat down the river through the dense Lacandon Jungle.

The site is most renowned for its elaborately carved stone lintels that span the doorways of its temples. These lintels provide detailed historical narratives depicting rulers such as Shield Jaguar II and Bird Jaguar IV.

Visitors can explore numerous structures, including Temple 33, which features well-preserved carvings of rulers performing bloodletting rituals. The site also contains carved stelae depicting the city's dynastic history during the 8th century.

Yaxchilan was heavily engaged in regional conflicts, most notably with its rival city of Piedras Negras located across the river. These battles were commemorated on the site's carved monuments and lintels.