BONAMPAC MAYAN RUINS 

Also referred to as Bonampak, these Mayan ruins are very accessible, being reached from Palenque.  The trip is approximately 100 kilometers and a very slow, difficult drive.  However, once you reach Bonampac, you will find a large city that dates back to the Classic period.  Bonampac was not discovered until 1946 when an American pilot made his way into the jungle.  The Indians of the area showed him the ruins, specifically pointing out the beautiful murals. 

While Bonampac is famous for many things, probably the favorite is the incredible ruins and vividly colored murals that provide a glimpse into the 8^th century Mayan court life, battle, and rituals.  Today, these murals have been well preserved by undergoing a process of calcite that has been washed from the ceilings down.  You will also notice the city of Bonampac being rich in vegetation, and very much a jungle that is the home to a wonderful variety of wildlife. 

The people came to settle here during 600 and 800 AD.  Although Bonampac was considered a wonderful community, it was dwarfed when compared to other larger cities such as Yaxchilan and Palenque.  In fact, history shows us that the culture and political aspects of Bonampac depended largely on Yaxchilan.  Once you arrive at the ruins, you will notice three specific architectural groups, each quite large. 

When visiting the Great Plaza or walking the stairs leading to the acropolis, you will find many stelae that have been inscribed with long-count dates sometime between 782 and 791 AD, just one of many places where you can see first-hand the impressive work of the Mayan calendar.  Inside the acropolis, there are three rooms with beautiful paintings on the walls. 

What is so amazing is that these murals have been carefully preserved and enjoyed still today. Historians agree that because of the preservation, these are probably the greatest of all the murals still existing from the Mayan Classic period, a true treasure.  Although there is some controversy of what the murals are trying to say, many historians believe it has something to do with a battle and the victory achieved. 

Within one of the rooms, you will find a mural that features a child, believed to be an heir to the court’s throne, and dancing, musicians, all in celebration.  Another room has a mural that depicts some type of battle fought by the lords of Bonampac, as they struggled to gain captives for human sacrifice.  Then there is a third room whereby you see a mural representing the outdoor pyramid and the self-sacrifice of the lords of Bonampac after a massive battle.  Each of these murals is colorful and quite detailed, especially when you consider the time in which they were made. 

The Bonampac ruins are an amazing place to visit while in Chiapas, Mexico.  Trying to capture the magnificence and value of the murals found within the walls of the ruins, today, Yale University is documenting the site.  With this, the important history of the Mayans can live on for generations to enjoy.  Because of the beautiful area where Bonampac is located, the friendly people, and the amazing Bonampac Mayan ruins and murals, this has become a busy tourist spot.