Chichen Itza

 

Chichen Itza is a Mayan city dominant in history between AD 600 - AD 1200 in North America. 

Located in Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, Chichen Itza is one of the world's historic city with architectural achievements making it one of the wonders of the modern world.

Chichen Itza has a literal translation that means "at the mouth of the well of the Itza." From current archaeological findings, Chichen may have been governed by dynasties. 

Chichen as a city has various structures like;

• Temples - temple of a thousand warriors, temple of monkeys etc
• Grand Ballcourt.
• Steam bath.
• Las Monjas
• Platform of Eagles, platform of Jaguars, Platform of Venus.
• El Castillo
• Akab Dzib
• Cenote (like a well)
• Sacbeob (pathways linking the buildings, like road today.)

*Note that some of the names given to the buildings are Spanish and not the original given Maya name.

Chichen as one of the largest cities of the Mayan civilizations rose to prominence as a regional economic power at its peak. It imported unavailable resources from other coasts through its port.

Grand ballcourt

By the 1200's, Chichen experienced a decline in power. From history, the time periods indicate that a city had gone to dust for Chichen to rise and another new city arose after Chichen's fall 🤨.

Sacred Cenote

By the 16th century (1500's) when Spanish conquest started in the area, there were little human population residing around Chichen Itza. After colonists arrived, Chichen became a cattle ranch with vegetation overshadowing its historic glory. 

The curiosity about this once great city was revived in the 19th century when a travel journal about the peninsula was written by John Lloyd Stephen. After this, archaeologists started their explorations.

 

Temple of a thousand warriors. 

The artistic style of Chichen employs different styles from Yucatan peninsula. Apart from art, interesting things like a handclap echoing as a bird chirp is demonstrated to visitors in Chichen. Also a shadow of the steps in El Castillo depict a snake spiraling down during Equinox.

Osarios stairs

Today, Chichen Itza is managed by Mexico's institute of Anthropology and History. Most of the buildings have been restored but the original colors of the buildings are worn.

There are some places I must visit after Covid 🤫🚶‍♀️.

El Castillo