Temple of the Inscriptions (Temple VI)

The most remote of Tikal’s temples, Temple VI lies about one kilometer southeast of the Central Acropolis [1] along the Mendez Causeway, where it stands all by itself.

Rediscovered in 1957, this temple is unique because it contains inscriptions much like the temples found at Quiriguá [2] and Copán [3] but unlike Tikal’s other temples.

On the back side of the temple’s 12-meter roof comb are a series of 180 glyphs, barely visible today, charting the history of Tikal’s ruling dynasty A.D. 200–766. They also chart Tikal’s early history as far back as 1139 B.C., which the Mayans probably guessed at. Still, ceramic evidence at Tikal has corroborated other dates found at the site. The temple is most likely the work of Yik’in Chan K’awil. Stela 21 and Altar 9 adorn the front of the temple at its base and date to A.D. 736.

The temple’s relative isolation makes it an excellent location for spotting wildlife. Robberies, none of them recent, have been reported here. You should probably not wander off to these parts unaccompanied.