Theory No. 4 (Visual Access to the Cosmos)

Theory No. 4

To connect plaza, house, and platform, the Maya used steps and pathways in a precise way to enable purposeful horizontal and vertical movement. Shallow, high, and steep staircases have limited physical upward movement but provide significant visual access.

More important structures such as the Palace sit on pyramids and are the closest to the heavens above. The Tower in the Palace contains an observatory where celestial bodies, especially the moon and Venus were observed and mapped. The line of “visual access” is traced up the steep stairs, up the highest tower, and to the cosmos. The Maya performed religious rituals on these steps (preferably the wider ones) so that the Maya people may watch the figureheads from below.

A section cut of the Palace was used as an underlay. The Tower is outlined and two vertical lines extend from it signifying the Maya inclination to look upward and study the heavens. Lines extending horizontally define the path of those observing at the top of the tower and looking outwards. The diagonal lines are the path of visualization leading from the bottom of steeply inclined steps that are not physically accessible to move upward. Rather, the eye carries upward to see the highest point, the Tower, and beyond.

Maya Art and Architecture (Pg. 25); Maya Civilization http://www.indopedia.org/Maya_civilization.html