Theory: Hierarchy of Preservation

Mayan buildings were normally built right over each other, each previous temple presiding below the newly constructed one on top. As they built anew, the temples and buildings became larger and larger. This increase in scale sets up a moment of hierarchy not only within the building, but amongst the Mayan people as well. The king, surrounded by upper class citizens, or servants would sit atop the highest plat form and preside over his people. This is very much the same for the temple. The new construction presides over the old conserving a memory of time, as well as establishing a type of internal hierarchy that cannot be seen from the outside.