NaraNjo-Sa'al - World Monuments Fund

Figure 24. Royal Palace
Compound, and palaces
of the northern patio.
Complejo del Palacio Real
y palacios del patio norte.
Although the data analysis process of all of the mapped residential groups of the
periphery of Naranjo has yet to be completed—formal analysis has yet to be carried
out in the northeastern peripheral areas—we are beginning to see some of the features
of a settlement pattern that may later display distinctive aspects of several converging
settlement traditions [Figures 21, 22, and 23]. Based on the information we have
gathered to date, the density of Naranjo’s residential settlement appears to be greater
in the areas with immediate water resources, as in the south of Bajo La Pita, as well
as in the so-called Springs Zone. The latter gradually diminishing in the less elevated
areas, just as in the cases of the west sub-zone of Bajo La Pita and the east sub-zone of
Springs. These sparsely populated zones may have been agricultural production areas.
During the reign Itzamnah Kawil (r. a.d. 784–810), renovations were carried out
throughout the site that increased the verticality of the pyramid plinths, which reached
heights of more than 20 meters, evident in buildings C4 and B13. The monumental
effect was emphasized in the triadic acropolises, and particularly in the renovation of
the Astronomical Observatory, where a second level was added to the chambers of
B18, B19, and probably to temple B24, which was decorated with enormous masks
on the corners and north and south façades.
The urban restructuring of Naranjo-Sa’al during the eighth century brought along
an increase in the sizes of the palaces of the northern and southern patios of the Royal
Palace Compound, as well as the addition of vaulted enclosures on the terraces and
corners of the central building [Figure 24]. A fourth level was added to the Palace. Additionally,
Palace B43 came to acquire as many as 9 precincts with lateral red benches
that may have served as holding places for items of tribute. Particularly worthy of
mention is the importance of palace B15A, in the northern patio of the Royal Palace
Compound. Given its main entrance, which cannot be seen from the patio, along
with the presence of an enormous throne with lateral arms located in the rear area of
the second precinct, it is believed that this was the ruler’s reception palace for important
visitors. Also important was the construction of another palace A19, and a second
ball court adjacent to the causeway leading to the revitalized north acropolis (D1).
The pyramid temples of the eastern area, in particular C-9, reached their maximum
size at this time.
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