You may think this church (San Juan Bautista in the town of Tixcacaltuyub), built in the 17th century, looks more like a fort than a church. Well, it served as both. Since it, like the church at Yaxunah (yesterday's image), was in a frontier area, it was always possible it would have to serve as a defensive fortification. It was built right on top of a mound used for a now-destroyed Mayan temple. One of the goals on my trip to Mexico was to photograph churches damaged during the Caste War. The Caste War (1847-1901) was an over 50-year Mayan revolt in the Yucatan in which cities and churches on the frontier, such as Tixcacaltuyub, suffered what can only be described as almost-complete devastation. According to Terry Rugelyy the area where Tixcacaltuyub is located suffered "almost Biblical destruction during the Caste War" (Rugeley, 1997, p. 5). By some estimates, one half of the population of these areas perished during the war from starvation, disease and casualties. Cities were taken and then retaken (and burned and devastated) by both sides. These churches stand as poignant reminders of this time. If you'd like, take a look at more of my images from Mexico