The Maya city featuring the Great Plaza and Temple of the Grand Jaguar is Tikal. Located in Guatemala’s northern Petén region, Tikal was one of the largest and most influential cities of the ancient Maya world.
The Temple of the Grand Jaguar is the modern name for Tikal Temple I, a steep limestone pyramid on the eastern side of the Great Plaza. It was built around 732 CE as a funerary monument for the ruler Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, also known as Ah Cacao. The temple rises about 47 meters and is topped by a characteristic Maya roof comb.
The name “Great Jaguar” comes from imagery associated with the temple, including a ruler seated on a jaguar throne. Tikal is often confused with Calakmul, Copán, or Palenque because all were major Maya centers with monumental architecture. Tikal’s Great Plaza, however, is specifically framed by Temple I, Temple II, and the North Acropolis, making it one of the best-known urban spaces in Maya archaeology.