Melchor de Mencos, Petén, Guatemala — Central America
Minor Astronomical Complex at Yaxhá
(Plaza C)
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 19, 2016
1. Minor Astronomical Complex at Yaxhá Marker
Complejo Astronómico Menor
(Plaza C)
Los edificios que conforman el complejo fueron construidos entre el 700 y 800 a.C., se considera que debajo se encuentran construcciones aún más antiguas. El conjunto representa una réplica de menor tamaño del Complejo Astrónomico Mayor (Plaza F), lugar donde se conmemoraba el tránsito del sol y su relación con los solsticios y equinoccios. El lado Oeste es ocupado por una gran pirámide de 4 escalinatas.
Al pié de la plataforma longitudinal en el lado Este de la plaza fueron exhibidas estelas que representaron a gobernantes importantes de Yaxhá del período Clásico.
The buildings that make up the complex here were built between 700 and 800 B.C. There are possibly even older buildings underneath the complex. The complex is a smaller replica of the Major Astronomical Complex (Plaza F), where the transit of the sun and its relationship with the solstices and equinoxes was commemorated. The west side is occupied by a large pyramid made up of four steps.
At the foot of the longitudinal platform on the east side of the square stela were displayed that represented important
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Man-Made Features.
Location. 17° 4.228′ N, 89° 23.972′ W. Marker is in Melchor de Mencos, Petén. It is on no nearby street. The marker is just inside to the right of the Yaxhá Archaeological Park entrance. The park is some 5 kilometers north of the village of El Zapote, turning from the CA13 road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Melchor de Mencos, Petén 17011, Guatemala. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in North America, specifically in Central America, in Mesoamerica, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, and in the Western Hemisphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also a Spanish colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Yaxhá (a few steps from this marker); Plaza of the Columns (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Quarry Causeway (about 180 meters
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 19, 2016
2. Stela 4 of Plaza C at Yaxhá
The stela mentioned in the marker is Stela 4, the central stela on the east side of Plaza C and is the best preserved of the three Early Classic monuments. It bears the sculpted image of a standing figure with left-facing feet standing upon a grotesque head. Two hieroglyphs are carved to the left of the figure's knees. One of the glyphs preserved on Stela 4 is the Emblem Glyph of Yaxhá. It is a parrot figure to the right of the figure's feet.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 19, 2016
3. Minor Astronomical Complex at Yaxhá Marker
Two stela can still be seen in the distance, on the eastern part of Plaza C.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 19, 2016
4. Minor Astronomical Complex at Yaxhá Marker
The four stepped pyramid of Plaza C.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 527 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 26, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
