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A LEFT-EYED VIEW
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The Temple of the Green Tomb at Altun Ha, also known as Temple A-1, is the most imposing structure in Plaza A. It consists of a terraced platform marked by a broad stone staircase which extends about halfway up the structure to a chambered building. The temple was built during several construction periods in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. Several minor modifications continuted to be made in succeeding centuries.
Found hidden deep inside this temple was a single tomb dating back to about 550 A.D. It is the earliest known tomb of several that have been unearthed at Altun Ha. The tomb was constructed in a manner that is unique among Mayan sites to those at Altun Ha. It is called the "Green Tomb" because it contained almost 300 jade objects. Other artifacts included shell necklaces and ornaments, pottery vessels, stingray spines (used in ritual bloodletting), and more.
It is believed that ritualistic bloodletting, but no human sacrifice, was carried out atop this temple.
This view was captured when I climbed to the top of the Temple of the Masonry Altars, seen in yesterday's post.
Photo captured November 16, 2011.
New photos posted on most Mondays through Thursdays.
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