V.
Ruins.
Excepting the teocallis, or pyramids, all of the important ruins in Mexico are situated in the States of Yucatan, Chiapas, and Oaxaca.
A discussion of the comparative ages of these ancient remains, together with the most plausible theories as to their origin, would be foreign to the purpose of this volume. Suffice it to say, that the Mexican antiquarians of the present day consider the ruins of Uxmal, in Northern Yucatan, to be the oldest; those of Palenque, in Chiapas, next in rank; and Mitla, in Oaxaca, third in point of age.
It is worthy of remark that neither Palenque nor Mitla (the former being buried in a dense forest), was known to the outside world until a comparatively recent period—i. e., about 1750; but the remains in Yucatan were familiar to Europeans long before.
These ruins were built of hewn stone, and all writers have referred to the skill in architecture and workmanship exhibited in them. The ordinary dwelling-houses must have been made chiefly of wood, or of some other material that perished long ago, for at the present time no traces of them are visible.
Great cities and temples are to-day concealed by thick forests, and the traveler cannot form a correct idea of their original size. It is to be regretted that, with the present limited facilities for traveling, many of the ruins of Southern Mexico are difficult of access. The principal remains lie remote from the sea-coast and also from the lines of railroad.
Let us begin with the ruined edifices of Yucatan, and describe the places in their geographical and supposed historical order.
