The enigma of Temple I of Tikal: The secret tomb of the Great Jaguar

The guardian of the Great Plaza

Temple I, known worldwide as the Temple of the Great Jaguar, is the undisputed postcard of Guatemala and one of the most recognized monuments in the Mayan world. With its 47 meters high and a steep silhouette of nine staggered levels that represent the nine strata of the underworld (Xibalbá), this pyramid dominates the eastern end of the Great Plaza of Tikal.

For centuries of abandonment, the structure was hidden under a dense layer of earth, roots and gigantic trees, resembling a natural hill until the first archaeological expeditions revealed its intact architecture.
The resurrection of an empire: Jasaw Chan K'awiil I

To understand why this colossus was built, we must go back to the 7th century AD. C. Tikal had spent more than 130 years under a dark era known by historians as the "Hiatus", a period of domination and military vassalage imposed by its archrival: Calakmul (the Serpent Kingdom, located south of the current Yucatan Peninsula).

In the year 682 AD. C., a young and bold ruler named Jasaw Chan K'awiil I (also historically nicknamed Ah Cacao) ascended to the throne of Tikal. In 695 AD. C., Jasaw organized the army of Tikal and fought a decisive battle against Calakmul, capturing and defeating its king Jaguar Claw. With that victory, Tikal recovered its absolute military and political hegemony in Mesoamerica.

As a monument to that triumph and the rebirth of his dynasty, Jasaw planned the constructions of the Great Plaza: Temple II in honor of his wife, the Twelve Lady Guacamaya, and the imposing Temple I to house his final resting place.
The archaeological discovery: Tomb 116

In 1962, during excavations at the University of Pennsylvania Led by archaeologists Aubrey Trik and William Coe, a sealed chamber was detected in the underground heart of the pyramid.

By breaking the limestone slabs, the researchers discovered Burial 116: the intact tomb of ruler Jasaw Chan K'awiil I. His remains rested on a mat of jaguar skin, covered by one of the most lavish funerary offerings ever found on the American continent:

The jade necklace and trousseau: More than 180 pieces worked in high purity Guatemalan jade, including a pectoral of heavy beads that weighed more than 16 pounds (about 8 kilograms).

Bones engraved with epigraphy: A collection of 37 animal bones finely incised with hieroglyphs that narrated war victories and the mythical journey of the king's soul in the canoe of the rowing gods to the underworld.

Polychrome vessels: Ceremonial funerary ceramics of alabaster and clay that contained food and copal incense for its transit to the eternity.

• Why is it called the Temple of the Great Jaguar? Because of a sapodilla wood carving on the upper lintel of the sanctuary that portrays Jasaw Chan K'awiil I sitting on a ceremonial throne protected by a jaguar figure.
• How much stone was used? It is estimated that more than 39,000 hand-carved limestone blocks to raise the main structure.
• Can you climb Temple I? No. For reasons of preservation of the monument and visitor safety, the ascent to the front steps of Temple I is closed to the public. The permitted ascent is located right in front, in Temple II (Temple of the Masks), from where you can get the best photographic perspective of the Great Plaza.