Edzná, which means “the house of those who understand water” in Maya, is one of the principal archaeological sites of the Maya World. It is located 60km from the city of Campeche. This city, which flourished during the Classic period, was contemporary with Palenque.
The name Edzna likely derives from “Itzna”, meaning “house of the Itzaes” in Maya. Itza was probably the name of the great ruling family of the era, later extended to the inhabitants who lived on their territory. A link with Chichen Itza, perhaps?
Founded in 600 BC and occupied until the 15th century, Edzna was at its height (600-1000 AD) the most important Maya city and the powerful capital of the eastern Yucatan peninsula, home to as many as 25,000 inhabitants. Its great acropolis, and the richness of its constructions and architectural styles, give an idea of the extraordinary political, economic and religious power this city once held. Climbing to the top of the five-story building that forms the site’s largest structure, you can take in a panorama of the main monumental complexes. Situated in the lower part of a valley, Edzna was originally subject to regular flooding during the rainy season. To solve this problem, its inhabitants built a complex network of canals for transporting goods and people, and for defense against outside attacks.
Edzna established important ties with the great cities of Calakmul and Piedras Negras (or Yo’ki’b in Maya) in Guatemala. But over the centuries, the city gradually lost its political and economic power until its complete abandonment around 1450.
