Calakmul

Location:  Campeche, Mexico

Description:  Calakmul is an ancient site in Campeche, Mexico.  The site is known for its very large temple pyramids.  The Book of Mormon states, “Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, according to the responsibility which I am under to God, to magnify mine office with soberness, and that I might rid my garments of your sins, I come up into the temple this day, that I might declare unto you the word of God” – Jacob 2:2.  Don McIndoo writes in A Book of Mormon Companion, “The words we find Jacob speaking here describe perfectly the structure of the ancient temples of Mesoamerica.  These temples were most frequently placed on top of imposing pyramids.  Often the temples and buildings of a city were formed in quadrangles enclosing a large courtyard where people could be gathered for special ceremonies and occasions.  In order to be heard by the multitude it was necessary for the priest to go “up into the temple.”” [21]