Tonina's Military Dominance and Latest Maya Long Count Date. Tonina located approximately 40 miles south of Palenque in mountainous terrain Great Acropolis is approximately 75m tall, possibly the tallest pyramid structure in Mexico Complex has seven terraces with eight palaces, 13 temples, and numerous structures
About 40 miles south of Palenque in mountainous terrain, Tonina developed into a formidable rival. Its Great Acropolis rises approximately 75 meters — possibly the tallest pyramid structure in all of Mexico — with seven terraces containing eight palaces, 13 temples, and 260 steps matching the Maya ritual calendar. The site specialized in sculpture-in-the-round and practiced ritual decapitation of war captives. Monument 101 bears the latest known Long Count calendar date in the entire Maya world: January 20, 909 CE, which scholars consider marks the end of the Classic Maya period.
Key Facts
- Tonina located approximately 40 miles south of Palenque in mountainous terrain
- Great Acropolis is approximately 75m tall, possibly the tallest pyramid structure in Mexico
- Complex has seven terraces with eight palaces, 13 temples, and numerous structures
- 260 steps correspond exactly to 260 days of Maya ritual calendar
- Ball court dedicated in 699 CE with commemorative event recording military victory over Palenque lord in 776
- Site developed distinctive tradition of sculpture-in-the-round
- Practiced ritual decapitation of war captives and statues of prisoners
- Monument 101 bears the latest known Long Count calendar date in Maya world: January 20, 909 CE
- This date marks what scholars consider the end of the Classic Maya period
Related site: Tonina — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Rise and Fall of Palenque by World of Antiquity