Description
Twelve and a half centuries ago, the city of Xlapak supplied the Puuc region with agricultural products from land that was very fertile but lacked rivers. Medium-sized buildings are still standing, most notably The Palace, which is finely decorated with stucco facade masks of Chaac the rain god.
Historical overview
The community of Xlapak flourished between 750 and 950 in a small valley two miles west of Labna. Although its buildings are restrained in style, they indicate a dominant linage which controlled the agricultural resources of the region including the hills and forests. It is possible that these resources were not only used within the settlement, but were also sent to the nearby cities of Labna, Sayil, and perhaps even to Uxmal, which was the capital of the Puuc region in this era. It is probable that this small community was founded during the years of rapid population expansion which took place in the Puuc region between 750 and 950.