Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is a famous archaeological site in Mexico. Situated in the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza was built by the Mayas.

The name Chichen Itza was derived from the words “chi,” which means mouth; “chen,” which means well; and the tribe Itza. Literally, Chichen Itza means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.” The site was also named Uucyabnal, which means “Seven Great Rulers.”

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city. At its peak, at about 600 AD, Chichen Itza was the center of power in the region. The city was ruled by a council composed of elite families. The city’s port, named Isla Cerritos, was a crucial part of the commercial trade route in those times. Allegedly, King Quetzalcoatl came to the site and made it his capital. A civil war in 1221 led to the decline of Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is composed of several structures, such as palaces, temples and markets, made of stone. It also has three cenotes, or sink holes, the most popular of which is the Cenote of Sacrifice.

Upon entering, you will notice El Castillo (The Castle). It is also known as Piramide de Kukulkan, or the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. It is a step pyramid composed of 365 steps on all four sides and 18 terraces. A temple is situated on top, together with King Kukulcan’s Jaguar Throne. During the Spring and the Autumn equinox, the sunlight casts a shadow that appears like a moving serpent.

The site is also composed of several other temples. The Temple of the Warriors is a step pyramid surrounded by carved columns. The Temple of the Jaguar contains murals inside and also sports a jaguar throne. The High Priest’s Temple is a smaller version of The Castle. Other temples include the Temple of the Owls, Temple of the Monkeys and the Phallic Temple.

The principal ballcourt is the largest ballcourt in those times. With dimensions of 166 x 68 meters, the sides are lined with sculptures of ball players. In thesculptures, the losing team’s captain gets decapitated.

El Caracol, or the Snail, is a circular building with a spiral staircase that served as an observatory. The building contained various instruments to help to determine important dates in the calendar, specifically the equinox and the solstice.

Las Monjas, translated as “The Nunnery,” is actually a government palace. Beside it is “The Church,” which is a small temple adorned with decorative masks.

Chichen Itza is the most restored archaeological site in Mexico. Guides are available to tour you around. Chichen Itza is open daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.