Oxkintok

Oxkintok is a pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site located in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It is situated in the Puuc region, known for its distinctive architectural style. Oxkintok's occupation spanned a long period, from the Late Preclassic through the Terminal Classic periods (approximately 300 BCE to 1050 CE).

The site is notable for its complex layout, featuring multiple groups of structures including palaces, temples, and residential complexes. A significant feature of Oxkintok is its labyrinthine underground network of chambers and tunnels, whose purpose remains debated but likely served ritual and possibly defensive functions. These tunnels are known as the Tzat Tun Tzat.

Oxkintok is believed to have been an important regional center during its peak, influencing the surrounding area politically and economically. The site's hieroglyphic inscriptions provide insights into its rulers and history, although much remains undeciphered. Archaeological investigations at Oxkintok continue to contribute to our understanding of Maya civilization in the northern Yucatán peninsula. The site's abandonment around the 11th century CE is part of the broader pattern of societal changes that occurred in the Maya world at that time.