Image: DGJ_6091 - Structure 12

Structure 12 deals with a very peculiar construction which is very long and narrow. This has been what is called the "third wall" of Ek' Balam.

The structure restricts access to the central part of the site, it was probably used for ceremonial purposes. This is inferred from the fact that it contains a stairway which opens to the interior of the plaza, but not to the exterior part. One can easily see that the stairs weren't used to enter or leave the walled enclosure - as the entrances would - but permitted one or several people to climb up and carry out a ceremonial function or, perhaps, simply served to permit the guards to climb up in order to watch the access through the entrances. Structure 12 is composed of three construction periods, but all correspond to the Late Classic Period (700-1000 A.D.). Ek Balam, Mexico, Mexico.