Friday, January 21, 2011

Mayan City of Chichen Itza

The sacred city of Itza known as Chichen Itza in Maya. The name 'Chichen Itza' means 'At the mouth of the well of the Itza'. It is located at 75 miles east of Merida; the Capital of the State of Yucatan, Mexico.The Chichen Itza is one of the most famous and and best preserved Mayan sites in the world. It has been widely studied, excavated and restored. This city is full with mystery and legend.

The ruins are divided into two groups such as the Mayan and Toltecs. The Mayan Indians built and lived in the Chichen Itza during 7th and 10th centuries A.D. Then, the Toltec tribe invaded the place during the 10th and 13th centuries and influenced the architectural style of the classic Mayan people. The Mayan people had developed a sophisticated writing system, mathematics, astronomy, calendar and architectural perfection.

Chichen Itza is a large city to explore and divided into several sites.
Mayan Pyramid of Kukulkan

Another name for Pyramid of Kukulkan is 'El Castillo' (the castle) and it is at the center of Chichen. This Kukulkan Pyramid can be functioned as a solar calendar. The pyramid is 78 feet tall and each side of the pyramid contains 91 steps plus a platform on the top equaling 365 stairs which represent one for each day of the year. It is a perfect rectangular shape and very steep. People can have a spectacular view on top of the pyramid.
The Temple of the Warriors

The Temple of the Warriors and its adjacent Temple of the Jaguar are very impressive structure on the complex. It is 10 meters tall and 40 by 40 meters wide. This temple is used to honour those warriors who has fought and fallen in the past.

The hoops on the walls of the Ball Court

The Ball Court is the largest in Mexico and almost part of almost every Mayan City. The ball game involves two teams; the goal of the game is to knock the ball through the hoops on the walls of the court without using hands and feet.

The Observatory

The Observatory also known as 'Caracol' or 'Snail'. It is used for the Mayan People to understand astronomy. Hence, they are expert in astronomy which allows them to develop mathematics and understand the cycle of nature.

The Sacred Cenote

The Cenote is a sinkhole in the limestone bed which is formed by the water percolating through the soft limestone. The cenote acts as their source of water. Other than that, the cenote is a sacrifice site; sacrifice the humans to the gods.

This Chichen Itza Mayan are truly one of the amazing wonders and historical place in Mexico.

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