Comalcalco, located 55 km northwest of Villahermosa, was inhabited in the Mayan pre-Classic (200 AD) and flourished during the Mayan Late Classic period between 500 and 900 AD, when the region's agricultural productivity prompted population expansion. The principal crop that drew Indian peasants from Palenque to this region was the cacao bean, which the Comalcalcans traded with the other Mayan settlements. Its gradual abandonment began around 1350 AD.

Though it resembles Palenque in architecture and sculpture, Comalcalco is unique because it is built of bricks made from clay, sand and — ingeniously — oyster shells. Mortar was made with lime from the oyster shells.

Entry Path

Great Acropolis and North Cluster viewed from The Palace

North Plaza

Great Acropolis

The Palace

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