After walking up a series of steps we came to Edifice XXXIII (Roman numeral “33”).  Edifice XXXIII (“33”) is the main attraction at Yaxchilan (at least for me); it is the biggest and most complete temple in the site.  The proportions and roof comb just feel amazing.

According to the INAH Plaque accompanying this temple, Edifice XXXIII (“33”) rises 133 feet above the Grand Plaza.  It is the most important construction that Bird Jaguar IV (752-772 A.D.) carried out and the best preserved.  A base on the last platform supports Edifice XXXIII (“33”).  you enter the temple from the plaza over a grand stairway which begins with a flight of 6 steps made from large carved stone blocks.  These steps lead to a small open area with a shrine holding Stela II (“2”) showing the date 537 A.D., flanked by cylindrical altars.  Edifice XXXIII (“33”) has a rectangular layout and contains a corbeled-vault passageway with 1 room at each end.  The temple still has its stucco plaster and traces of red paint.  3 Lintels (I, II, and III), a carved stela (Stela XXXI), a human-like sculpture, and Hieroglyphic Staircase number 2 are associated with Edifice XXXIII (“33”).  Bird Jaguar IV is the central person on the lintels and Hieroglyphic Staircase.  Yaxchilan reached its zenith during this period (752-772 A.D.).  The most commonly recounted events on these monuments concern self-sacrifice, “the vision of the snake”, and the ball games.