For A Look Into Mayan History Visit The Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are a huge visitor attraction. Chichen Itza is usually a major archaeological site. This site was originally created by the Mayans, and it is found just about 70 miles from the capital of Yucatan, Mexico. The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are a compelling site, which draws in quite a few people yearly but there’s quite a bit that many people tend not to realize about this place.
Etymology
The name “Chichen Itza” is a Mayan name that means, “on the mouth of the well of Itza.” The term Chichen is derived from the words “Chi” that closely translates as mouth or edge and “ch’e'en” which signifies “well.” Itza most likely generally translates as wizards or enchantment or magician from the water.
Origins of the Site
This site is split up into two major areas. One area comes from the older classic Mayan period and this was created during the 7th to 10th centuries. The other area incorporates features belonging to the Mayan-Toltec period, constructed around the 11-13th centuries. The site is currently the most significant of all the Mayan ruins in Yucatan.
What You can See
This site was recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World so there is lots to see there. El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan is among the major sights of Chichen Itza. Found on the primary platform, the El Castillo is a breathtaking step pyramid that is close to 30 meters tall! In the afternoon in the spring and autumn equinox, the direct sunlight cast on the corner of the pyramid causes a number of triangle-shaped shadows, which all combine to create the form of a serpent moving down the pyramid. That was a deliberate design produced by the Mayans to depict the serpent god Kukulkan.
Another popular attraction is the Great Ball Court. Measuring 545 feet by 223 feet, the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza is the largest ball court from the Mesoamerica era. This court was used during its period to play Mesoamerican games. There’s a temple area found at either end of the ball court. One of these temples is known as the Temple of the Bearded Man and one is referred to as the Temple of the Jaguar.
The cenote sagrado or the “sacred well” is definitely an unusual feature of Chichen Itza. The Mayans used the cenote in order to make both human and object sacrifices to the Mayan rain god Chaac.
Some other must see features are the El Mercado, or the market, Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol, or the observatory, Tzompantli or Wall of Skulls and the La Iglesia or The Church.
There’s so much to see and do in the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins you’ll want to ensure that you already know what you want to see just before you go to make sure that you’ll be able to make the most of your time.
Are you interested in visiting the Mayan ruins? Be sure to visit my site to find out more about Copan Honduras and the Tulum Mayan ruins.