Guatemala, Tikal, Templo II - de las Mascaras

Temple II (Temple of the Masks, Templo de las Mascaras) is a pyramid built by the Maya in Tikal in VIII century. Temple II is located on the western side of the main square, opposite Temple I. The pyramid has three steps, on the top there is a sanctuary. The height of the first step is 6.25 meters, the second is 6.1 meters, and the third is 5.6 meters. The total height of the base of the temple is 17.9 m, the sanctuary is 9.8 meters high, and the ridge of the roof rises by 12.3 meters. The upper platform is decorated with two badly destroyed masks located on the sides of the stairs. These masks gave Temple II its middle name - the Temple of Masks. A volumetric stone block is built into the staircase right in front of the entrance to the temple. Its intended purpose is to be an observation platform for the high priest.