Atlantean Figures

These so-called Atlantean figures are located at the rear of the Temple of the Warriors. There are 19 figures supporting a stone platform. The figures are named for the Greek Titan who bore the Earth on his back (though the name is from modern society, not the Maya). No two are alike, with unique costumes and physical and racial characteristics.

Were these carvings based on real people? If so, does this mean that races of people other than Maya visited Yucatan, or were peoples known to the Maya? The Maya traded with cultures throughout Mesoamerica, and in the Sacred Cenote artifacts have been found from as far away as South America and what is today the Southwest United States.

-- Chris Reeves