Edzna was inhabited by 400 BC and served as a regional capital between AD400 and 1000, but its greatest period of influence and monument building corresponds to the Late Classic era. Although not abruptly abandoned as other Mesoamerican cities, its population dwindled slowly after AD 1000, finally disappearing at the end of the Post-classic period around 1450. its appeal lies in the symmetry and monumental character of its structures and in the well-designed layout of the city centre.

The site’s largest and most impressive building is the Templo de los Cinco Pisos, located on the Great Acropolis. Sanctuaries on each level are accessed via a central staircase; the ninny temple at the top is crowned by the remnants of a roofcomb. A recently discovered solar phenomenon occurs each year at the planting season and again at harvest. On these days sun enters the normally dark interior to illuminate the face of Itzamna, the sky serpent-crater deity, on a stele within.