Theory: Geographical Location

Uxmal was a pioneer among Mayan architecture in that they had to create man-made methods of irrigation. The site received little rainfall throughout the year and had no surface streams, lakes, or underground sinkholes to supply water. Still, this site was at one time a flourishing city and supported a larger population (about 25,000 people) then than it does today. In order to cope with this problem the Mayans devised a system of cisterns that collected rain water to to irrigate and provide the whole city with water. These systems were called chultunes.

Information found at: http://www.mayasites.com/uxmal.html and http://academic.reed.edu/uxmal/cities.html

Theory: Addressing the Topography of Uxmal

Uxmal is located on the Yucatan peninsula in Central America. Unlike most other Mayan sites, Uxmal is not near a body of water, making it difficult to civilize. The Mayans invented a cistern that could hold the rain water they gathered to be utilized later. There was no need for an irrigation system because they were situated in a deep, bowl-shaped basin with rich soil that survived on rainwater. The Mayans that lived in Uxmal predominantly worshiped the god of rain, Chaac, believing that he would protect their land by keeping it moist and fertile. The developed area of Uxmal is 16.5 hectacres, but Uxmal in its' entirety covers at least 10 square kilometers. The bulk of Uxmal is wide, grassy fields, but is surrounded by dense forest. Uxmal is located within the hilly, Puuc portion of the Yucatan. Instead of leveling the land, they embraced the topography and related it to the significance of the occupant. They designed their buildings to coexist with the natural landscape, making this ruin all the more unique.