Chacmultun

Chacmultun (Maya for "Red Stone Mounds") is a Maya archaeological site in the Puuc region of Yucatan, Mexico, 130 km southeast of Merida. Inhabited from 300 BC to 1500 AD, the city peaked between 600 and 1100 AD as the most important centre in the eastern Puuc zone. Its distinctive reddish-hued structures are caused by microorganisms in the stone. The one-square-kilometre site comprises four groups -- Chacmultun, Cabalpak, Xetpol, and Central -- built on hills and artificial terraces. The palace complex includes a three-storey structure with vaulted chambers, and Room 10 preserves remains of a colourful mural depicting a procession of warriors and lords. The site was first documented by explorer Teoberto Maler in 1875 and features Puuc-style architecture with colonnettes and stone mosaics.