Xiol (Mérida)

Xiol ('Spirit of Man' in Mayan) is a Maya archaeological site in the municipality of Kanasin, about 12km from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Built between 600 and 900 AD, it was home to an estimated 4,000 people. Rediscovered during construction work around 2015, INAH archaeologists have uncovered at least 12 structures including five monumental palaces built in the Puuc architectural style -- unusual for northern Yucatan where this southern style rarely appears. Excavations revealed palaces, humble dwellings indicating social stratification, burial grounds with adults and children, a cenote, carved stone heads, stylized ceramics, and obsidian sculptures.