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| View from atop Temple IV, looking toward Temples I, II, and V |
Each day
of this trip just keeps getting better and better! To close out 2015, we went
to Tikal, one of the most famous and recognizable sites in Mesoamerica. Tikal
is massive! At it’s peak, it had a
population of about 125,000–150,000 people. It is also one of the more
excavated sites in the region (though still only about 20% of it has been
excavated), and is home to some of the largest structures known in ancient
Mesoamerican. In fact, Temple IV, standing at 231 feet, is the tallest pyramid
thus far discovered in Mesoamerica.
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| Pyramid in the Lost World Complex |
Tikal,
like most other sites, is a Pre-Classic site that was largely built over during
the Classic era. Earliest evidence of settlement in the area dates back to the
10th century BC, and ceramics found from around 7th–6th century BC. The
earliest structures so far uncovered and excavated at the site are from about
500–300 BC. These include the so-called “lost world” complex, which includes
two large pyramids. Most of the structures at the site, however, are much
later. At least, the layers now visible come from the much later Classic era
construction. This includes the extensive works at the Central Plaza.
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| The North Acropolis, Temple II, and Temple I, all part of the Central Plaza |
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| Temple V |
As is
clear, Tikal dates back into Book of Mormon times. Since I favor Rio Grijalva
as the River Sidon, I don’t personally think it is directly involved in any
Book of Mormon events. Since its history is concurrent with Book of Mormon
timeframes, however, it can shed light on the history and culture within which Book
of Mormon peoples participate.
For
example, the Book of Mormon describes a massive war taking place in the late
4th century AD. The war was so extensive that an entire culture group—the
Nephites, of course, was eliminated. In recent years, evidence of widespread
warfare throughout Mesoamerica during the late 4th century has emerged. Some of
that evidence is found here at Tikal, where inscriptions indicated that in AD
378 Siyah K’ak’, a general from
Teotihuacan invaded Tikal and killed Chak
Tok Ich’aak, then the king at Tikal.
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| If I recall correctly, this Lakam-Tuun mentions the Teotihuacan general who invaded Tikal |
Teotihuacan
is in Central Mexico, a long ways away from Tikal, indicating wide reaching
influence, likely through military conquest. Teotihuacan was a militarized
city-state which thrived on conquest. With the arrival of Teotihuacanos also
came a new culture of war—one which focused more on the complete destruction of
the enemy. The final battles of the Nephites and Lamanites fit well within this
wider context of conquest and warfare. Furthermore, Moroni’s report of
continued warfare amongst sub-groups of those he considered Lamanites is
consistent with the persistence of this war culture for centuries to come in
Mesoamerica.
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| Me, atop Temple II, with Temple I in the background |
Tikal is
an incredible site, offering stunning ruins and breathtaking views from the top
of some of the greatest pyramids throughout the region. I could not help but
feel that my time there was much too limited. There is so much more to explore
there, which we did not have time for. Sitting atop Temple IV and taking it all
in was a surreal experience. I just couldn’t believe I was really there. It was
the perfect way to spend my New Year’s Eve, reflecting upon the incredible year
I have had and the miracles that got me through it. I can’t wait to see what
2016 has in store for me!
I find it interesting how the date of the Entrada of 378 AD fits* with the dates of the final Nephite battles (*depending on which calendar you use). But I see no problem with Tikal or other related sites being part of later BoM events. With either Grijalva or Usumacinta as Sidon the BoM still indicates that Zarahemla was not the center of power after the 1st century. Most of the battles fought by Mormon were over the city of Desolation. Zarahemla and many other previously important cities are not even mentioned, either as being captured or fought over. So with the Grijalva as Sidon the cities of the low lands may still have been important for late Nephite events.
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