Structure 40 at Yaxchilan and Bird Jaguar IV
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
Power and Propaganda at Yaxchilán
The ancient Maya site of Yaxchilán is situated on the banks of the Usumacinta River, on the border between Mexico and Guatemala. One of the remaining buildings, known as Structure 40, tells us about rulership, lineage, and royal propaganda. Built by Bird Jaguar IV or Yaxum B’ahlam IV in the 8th century, Structure 40 publicized Bird Jaguar IV’s dynastic lineage and helped to justify his rule. The building is in a ruined state today, but we try to give a sense of how it looked and was decorated in its heyday on the South Acropolis at this important Mesoamerican site.
Structure 40, Classic Period, on the South Acropolis, Yaxchilán, Chiapas, Mexico. Photo © Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
Video chapters
0:00 The site of Yaxchilán
0:38 Rulership and Bird Jaguar IV
1:33 Structure 40 on the South Acropolis
2:20 A roof comb
2:47 The facade
3:50 The interior
4:23 Monuments in front
4:48 Propaganda
Learn more
Find other resources about Mesoamerica.
Discover more about the ancient Maya.
Find more materials about AP Art History.
