Theory: Pioneers in Construction

In most Mayan cities, the method of building the monumental masses was to use huge stones and layer them one on top of the other. While this was effective, the Puuc method of construction was far more advanced than other Mayan techniques.

Rather than using large stones, the inhabitants of the Puuc region of the Yucatan used rubble that was overlaid with thinner veneer stones. This method allowed for more efficiency in constructing buildings because the smaller stones were easier to transport.In addition to a higher efficiency, the fine workmanship of of the veneer stones allowed for them to be fitted together with a high amount of precision. These flat veneer stones composed the lower portions of the building that created the stark contrast to the ornamentation of the higher levels.

Information taken from: Maya Art and Architecture, Mary Ellen Miller (London: Thames and Hudson Ltd., 1999), pg 57Information taken from: Maya Art and Architecture, Mary Ellen Miller (London: Thames and Hudson Ltd. 1999), pg 61