Postclassic Societies and its Architecture: El Rey, Quintana Roo
Sebastiaan Roeling

Introduction

The entrance to the architectural site El Rey (The King) rests within the Cancún Hotel Zone close to the Nichupte Lagoon. The site was first sighted in the 16^th century, rediscovered in 1842, and excavated in 1954.

El Rey, also known as Kinich Ahau Bonil, was named in the 20^th century after a sculpture discovered there. This sculpture depicts a face of a Mayan king. In the pyramid, some skeletons were found and were believed to be the remains of local royalty.

Research suggests that the location was inhabited by 200 B.C., but little of enduring value was built before the 13^th century. The structures in the center of El Rey date somewhere between A.D. 1200 and the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. There are 47 structures in an area of 520 meters on a north-south axis and 70 meters on an east-west axis.

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