The name of the site derives from the Mayan words Balam (jaguar) and Kú (temple), meaning “Temple of the Jaguar”. This name refers to one of the jaguars shaped in the frieze of stucco modeled and polychrome that crowns the Sub-structure I-A of the Central Group, which characterizes this pre-Hispanic city.

In Balamkú is a frieze of stucco modeled and painted unique in the Mayan area, that was elaborated between 550 and 600 d. C. In the frieze there are 4 scenes of ascension alternated with three jaguars. Each one comprises an animal with the head turned back, seated in the frontal cleft of a mask of the Monster of the Earth; His mouth, gives way to a king on his throne. In addition to illustrating in detail the opposing and complementary aspects of the underworld, the whole shows that the dynastic cycle is equated with the solar cycle. In this conception, the accession to the throne is illustrated by the king coming out of the jaws of the terrestrial monster, as the sun leaves the mouth of the Earth; The king’s death is seen as a sunset, when it falls into the mouth of the Terrestrial Monster. Main chronological location: Classic, 300 to 1000 d. C