Images

Possibly from the period of the Liangzhu Culture in China (c. 3400-2250 BCE), this dog amulet measures 63.1 x 19.9 x 20.8 mm (2.4 x 0.78 x 0.81 inches). Jade dog amulets were often made and worn for protection, and those of the...

Possibly from the period of the Liangzhu Culture in China (c. 3400-2250 BCE), this dog amulet measures 63.1 x 19.9 x 20.8 mm (2.4 x 0.78 x 0.81 inches). This image highlights the details of the face. The amulet is made...

Temple of the Ways, Maya city of Chacchoben, c. 700 CE. The altar, in the center of the temple, purposefully resembles a mouth and received sacrificial offerings. This temple continued to be used as a place of...

Detail of the sacrificial altar at the Temple of the Ways, Maya city of Chacchoben, c. 700 CE.

The Temple of the Vessels (Templo de Las Vasijas) at Maya city of Chacchoben, c. 700 CE. Located on the sacred plateau of the Gran Basamento, this temple housed the various goods needed for sacrifice and offerings...

The Temple of the Vessels (Templo de Las Vasijas) at Maya city of Chacchoben, c. 700 CE. Bowls, pitchers, plates and other items used for religious rituals were kept here.

Probable location of the ball court in Grand Plaza of Maya city of Chacchoben, c. 700 CE. The Mesoamerican ball game of Poc-a-toc had religious significance and was considered so important that those who died...

Weathered and broken stele in the Grand Plaza of the Maya city of Chacchoben, Mexico, c. 700 CE. It rests at the foot of the stairs leading up to the Gran Basamento plateau where religious rituals were held...

The steep climb of El Castillo, Chichen Itza, c. 750-1200 CE. Image taken before climbing the pyramid was forbidden.

The ruins of the ancient market place and residential area in the Great Plaza of the Maya site of Chacchoben, c. 700 CE.