The Rise of Muyil, Tulum’s Historic Gem to Shine with Revitalized Offerings

TULUM, Quintana Roo – Diego Prieto, the head of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), announced that the Muyil archaeological site in Quintana Roo has been included in the Archaeological Zones Improvement Program (Promeza). This designation will lead to several enhancements aimed at providing a better experience for visitors. Changes to signage and an expansion of the parking area are among the improvements planned.

Prieto highlighted the significance of the Maya civilization’s linguistic, ethnic, geographic, and economic diversity, emphasizing that it formed a cohesive socio-political and economic structure, giving rise to the notion of a Maya nation. To showcase the historical and intricate details of the Muyil archaeological site, he presented a video during the morning press conference.

Under the Promeza program, a total of 26 archaeological zones will receive attention, with 10 located in Quintana Roo, 10 in Yucatán, four in Campeche, one in Tabasco, and one in Chiapas. Visitor Centers will be established in 10 of these zones, including Palenque, Moral-Reforma, El Tigre, Edzná, Xcalumkín, Uxmal, Dzibilchaltún, Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and Calakmul.

Providing an update on the progress of the Tren Maya project, Prieto mentioned that sections 1 to 5 and 7 have received full approval for construction, while section 6, from Tulum to Chetumal, is nearly complete at 99.7 percent. As of June 22, 2023, a total of 53,568 immovable assets, 1,111,608 ceramic fragments, 1,844 movable assets, 765 vessels, 597 skeletal remains, and 1,348 natural features have been recorded and preserved along the railway project.

Muyil, situated in the southern segment of the Tren Maya’s fifth phase (from Playa del Carmen to Tulum), has been included in the Promeza initiatives. These actions encompass research, archaeological preservation, and the optimization of visitor services. Enhancements planned for Muyil include changes to signage, an expanded parking area, the construction of a new entrance and visitor assistance unit, upgraded sanitary facilities, and the establishment of an introductory room to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Located on the shores of Lake Muyil, near Chunyaxché Lagoon, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Muyil is an ancient settlement that witnessed continuous occupation for over 1,800 years. The earliest material evidence from the site dates back to the 3rd century BCE, during which it had connections with settlements in northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo. Subsequently, between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE, Muyil evolved into a significant city characterized by Petén-style buildings, including the imposing and iconic El Castillo, the tallest structure in the city, as well as the three platforms of the Entrance Group.

During the Postclassic Early period (11th and 12th centuries CE), Muyil’s strategic location facilitated contact with Chichén Itzá, followed by Mayapán in the state of Yucatán. Between the 13th and 15th centuries CE, the city experienced its most substantial growth and economic importance as it became integrated into the coastal trade networks of the peninsula, connecting with Cozumel, the coast, the Caribbean islands, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Muyil’s economy thrived on the exploitation of marine resources due to its strategic position along interconnected lakes leading to the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, hunting in the surrounding jungle played a role. With population growth, Muyil expanded, giving rise to residential complexes and impressive buildings dedicated to civil and religious purposes. These structures showcased various architectural styles, including the distinctive Petén style found in Guatemala, characterized by multiple facets and significant verticality, followed by the unmistakable Eastern Coast style.

Prominent structures at Muyil include Temple 8, representing the Eastern Coast style and featuring preserved remnants of mural paintings. El Castillo, with its three tiers and a temple, revealed a valuable offering during excavation, including jadeite and shell beads, earrings, ear spools, and rings. Lastly, the Entrance Group consists of a plaza surrounded by ceremonial pyramid structures, where recent research has unveiled numerous offerings shedding light on the city’s ritualistic nature.