Chichen Itza – `Mouth of the Well of Itza’

Chichen Itza meaning, `at the mouth of the well of Itza’, is considered to be the second most visited archaeological site of Mexico. The Kukulkan Pyramid known as El Castillo in Chichen-Itza is one of the Seven Wonders of the World which was elected in 7-07-2007 and is 24 m high, taking into consideration the upper platform.

This amazing step pyramid portrays the accuracy and the importance of Maya astronomy and the heavy influence of the Toltec who had invaded this site around 1000 and was the cause of a merger of the two cultural traditions. There are 365 steps for each day of the year and each of the temple’s four sides has 91 steps while the top platform is the 365th. Besides the Kukulkan Pyramid there are also several other archaeological sites to be explored all of which have traces of the Mayan culture in several ways.

Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbia city which was built by the people of Maya of the Post Classic. This archaeological site is placed in the municipality of Tinum in the Mexican state of Yucatan. The temples, steeped pyramids, columned arcades together with other stone structures of Chichen Itza were considered sacred to the Maya as well as a sophisticated urban centre from 750 to 1200 AD.

Advanced Astronomical Skills

The astronomical skills of the people of Maya was quite advanced and they were capable of predicting solar eclipses with sophisticated and impressive observatory structures which till date are available at the site.

The only permanent source of water for this city was a series of sinkhole wells. According to Spanish records, it was reported that young females were the victim of sacrifices to the Maya rain god presumed to be living in its depths and who were thrown live into the largest of them. Archaeologists have discovered their bones together with their jewellery and other precious objects worn by them at their final hour.

Chichen Itza’s ball court seems to be the largest in America which measures 554 feet long and 231 feet wide. At the time of the ritual games, players would try their utmost to hit a 12 pound rubber ball through stone, scoring hoops, set high on the walls of the court where the competition was intense and losers were put to death.

Ceremonial & Religious/Sophisticated Urban Centre/Hub of Regional Trade

The site was more than a ceremonial and a religious one and besides being a sophisticated urban centre was also a hub of regional trade. After centuries of being prosperous and adopting other cultures like the Toltec, this city came to a mysterious end and in the 1400s, the people totally abandoned this site and retreated into the jungle.

No records were traceable as to why they abandoned the city, though they did leave behind beautiful works of architecture and art. Some of the scientists were of the belief that it could be due to drought, exhausted soils, or royal quest for conquest and treasure which could have been some of the reasons for the downfall of this site. Recently, this site was given another honour and in a worldwide vote, Chichen Itza was named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is an amazing site to explore and learn the culture of an ancient era.