The Mysterious Lord Pakal of Chichén Itzá and the Secrets of the Casa Colorada

Why la casa colorada is the most important temple in Chichen Itzá nobody talks about

Beyond the areas where most tourists venture in Chichén Itzá, lies a lesser-known but fascinating architectural complex dedicated to the ruler: K’inich Janaab’ Pakal. No, not the legendary Pakal the Great of Palenque — this is a different king whose legacy is etched into the red-painted walls of the enigmatic Casa Colorada.

This structure, also known as the Chichanchob (meaning “small holes” in Yucatec Maya), holds clues to a pivotal moment in Chichén Itzá’s history—a time when sacred flames were lit, old enemies became allies, and a ruler sought to secure his city’s destiny.

A Royal Ceremony of Fire and Renewal

Inside the Casa Colorada, a close examination of an exceptionally long set of hieroglyphs dating to 869 AD tells of a grand k’atun-ending ceremony, marking the close of a 20-year cycle in the Maya calendar. At the center of this ritual was Pakal, performing the sacred k’altuun k’ahk’—the “anointing of the flames.”

For the ancient Maya, fire was more than just a tool; it was a living force, a bridge between the earthly and the divine. When Pakal kindled and consecrated these flames, he was not just celebrating time’s passage—he was renewing the very soul of his kingdom. Scholars believe this act reaffirmed his divine right to rule, ensuring prosperity and cosmic balance for Chichén Itzá.

From Enemies to Allies: The Peace with Ek’ Balam

But Pakal’s story doesn’t end with fire and ritual. The same inscriptions reveal something even more surprising: a hard-won peace with Ek’ Balam, Chichén Itzá’s once-fierce rival.

Ek’ Balam, the “Black Jaguar” city, was no minor adversary. Its towering acropolis and intricate stucco facades spoke of wealth and power, and for years, tensions between the two cities likely simmered—perhaps even erupting into open conflict. Yet here, in the Casa Colorada, Pakal proclaimed an end to hostilities.

Was this peace sealed through marriage? A trade agreement? A mutual recognition of borders? The glyphs don’t say. But the fact that it was recorded in stone suggests this was no small feat. For a civilization where war and conquest were often glorified, Pakal’s choice of diplomacy over bloodshed speaks volumes.

The Casa Colorada: More Than Just another Temple

So what was this mysterious red-walled structure? Some experts believe it was a council house, where nobles and advisors gathered. Others think it may have been a royal residence or even a temple for ancestor veneration.

One thing is certain: the Casa Colorada was no ordinary building. Its inscriptions, its vivid red paint (still faintly visible today but not accessible to the public), and its strategic location all point to a place of power—a stage where Pakal showcased his wisdom and his ability to turn foes into friends or, at the very least, reluctant allies. 

Given the Casa Colorada’s three-chamber design and the mention of the Cocomes in the forging of the peace, it is often assumed that each chamber symbolically represented the power of Chichen Itzá and the lineage of Ek-Balam and the Cocomes (an offshoot of the Xiu) on either side.

Another reason to think that three chambers were chosen in the construction of this structure has to do with the literal and symbolic importance of the k’oben, an arrangement of three stones which were used (and continue to be used) by the Maya as supports to light tinder in both domestic and ritual contexts. As the archaeologist and epigrapher Eduardo Puga notes: “This formation was sacred to the Maya, and can even be seen in the night sky with the alignment of the stars Alnitak, Saiph and Rigel, and the bright Orion nebula, which ‘burns’ at its center.”

Part of a Larger Complex

The Casa Colorada is also connected to Chichén Itzá’s second-largest ballcourt complex, which is also significant. But what makes this fact even more interesting is the discovery in 2023 of a marker dated to the year 894 CE, which suggests the entire architecture complex, not just the Casa Colorada, could have been purpose-built for the same purpose, as the Mesoamerican ball game, or Pok ta Pok, was as much a ritual as a sport.   

Explore with the pros

If you are looking to visit Chichén Itzá and learn more about the highlights of the site beyond its main plaza, why not book a trip with us at carlosrosado@roofcatmedia.com