Uxmal
/uːkˈmɑːl/noun
Uxmal is an ancient Maya city and archaeological site in the Puuc region of Yucatán, Mexico.
Did you know?The “thrice-built” interpretation is traditional but debated: scholars connect the name with Yucatec Maya óoxmal, while the site’s monumental architecture was repeatedly modified over centuries.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Columbian Maya period
Yucatec Maya
óoxmal
“Traditional interpretation: “thrice built” or “three times”; the exact historical form and meaning remain debated.”
Before the 16th Century
Maya
Uxmal
“Name used for the major Puuc-region Maya city in northern Yucatán.”
16th Century
Spanish
Uxmal
“Spanish colonial records preserve the Indigenous place-name as Uxmal.”
19th Century
English
Uxmal
“English travel and archaeological writing adopts Uxmal as the site’s standard name.”
Modern English
English
Uxmal
“A UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site renowned for Maya architecture, especially the Pyramid of the Magician.”