Descruption of some of the most prominent areas of the state of Campeche such as: Becán, Calakmul, Chicaná, Edzná and Xpuchil
Becan
It is a fortified ceremonial center that is located in the Bec River region. The site is located on a large rocky outcrop and is known mainly for the large moat that surrounds its main part. This man-made trench of 1.9 km. long it was built in the late pre-classic period between 100 and 250 BC, probably for defensive reasons. Also worth noting are its large buildings in the Rio Bec architectural style, mostly built during the heyday of the place in the late classic period, between 550 and 830 AD. Among them are Structure XI, the tallest at the site; Structure IV, of great architectural complexity and profusely ornamented, and the South Staircase, probably the widest in the Mayan area.
Calakmul
It is one of the great Mayan cities of the late pre-classic and classic. Located in the south of Campeche, north of Petén, it is distinguished by having the largest number of engraved stelae, around 106. Almost all of them have luxuriously dressed characters represented, probably rulers of the place, standing on captives, as well as calendrical glyphs that show dates between 500 to 850 years AD The site, once an important regional capital, covers an area of approximately 70 km2, in which 6,750 structures of various types have been located. Among them, two acropolis, a ball court and numerous temples and pyramids, such as Structure II, the largest monument in the area and, for some, the largest in the entire Mayan area. Recent investigations have led to the discovery of tombs with rich offerings.
Chicana
It is a small site located in the south of Campeche. It is notable for its well-preserved buildings, in the Rio Bec architectural style. As elsewhere in this region, most of the structures were built in the late classic. Structure II is the most interesting, it has the shape of a large mask that perhaps symbolizes ltzamaná, the creator god of the Mayans, represented in the form of a reptile. The door, in whose upper part is a row of large stone tusks, corresponds to the mouth; to its sides the open jaws of a serpent are shown. According to legend, whoever entered the building was swallowed by the god. Structure XXII preserves the remains of the representation of great jaws on its façade, with rows of masks with large twisted noses standing out in its upper temple.
Edzna
It was the most important place in the center of Campeche in the late classic. At this time about 200 constructions were erected, between platforms and buildings, in an area of 17 km2, mostly taking advantage of those made in the late pre-classic period. Several stelae with Long Count dates have been located here, five of them located between 672 to 810 AD. The site contains a system of canals and dams that supplied drinking and irrigation water, and could be used as a means of communication. The best-known structure in Edzná is the Five-Story Building, a peculiar combination of pyramid and palace; the first four floors contain series of rooms, in the last one is a temple. Another interesting structure is the Temple of the Masks, adorned with representations of the Sun God in its ascending and western aspects.
Xpuchil
It is a small area near Becán, known mainly for Building 1 of Group 1, an outstanding example of the Rio Bec architectural style built in the late classic. Although the façade of the site faces east, the best preserved part, and the one that has allowed the definition of its characteristics, is the rear. An unusual feature of this structure is the incorporation of a third tower or simulated pyramid, to the two that Rio Bec-style buildings generally present. Those towers are entirely solid, built for decorative purposes. Its steps are too narrow and steep and the upper temples simulated. Three masks, apparently representations of felines, decorate the stairs. The simulated temples display Itzamaná, the Creator God, as a celestial serpent.
