Bonampak

Bonampak is a ruined city of the Maya discovered in 1946, which became famous for its well-preserved murals. It is located in the Mexican state of Chiapas in the so -called " Lacandon Jungle " on the border with Guatemala, approximately 30 kilometers south of the Mayan site of Yaxchilan. The name Bonampak means in Maya " painted wall " and was given to the place by the researcher Sylvanus Morley. It is a Maya center of the classical period ( 300-900 ) of rather secondary importance. Famous the place was by his extraordinary murals that are unique to this day in the Maya region and are among the most outstanding works of art in pre-Columbian America. Is particularly outstanding, the moving presentation that clearly stands out from the dominant in stone monuments static reproductions.

The murals are located in the temple one, the only multi-room building of Bonampak. The frescoes cover in three rooms an area of ​​144 m². Shown are the ruler and his entourage, tribute and war scenes, a criminal court, dance scenes and blood sacrifice of nobles. The frescoes give an insight into the social fabric of Maya society of the Middle and Late Classic. They can be divided into five scenic content groups:

1 The temple was built around 790 under the 776 coming to power, ruler Chan Muan. Bonampak was at the time a close relationship with Lacanhá and Yaxchilan, which are also documented as allies both in the frescoes and steles.