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Chichen Itza is a former Mayan city and current archeological site on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, known for pyramids like El Castillo among its preserved ruins.
Apr 2, 2024 · Chichen Itza, a ruined ancient Maya city occupying an area of 4 square miles (10 square km) in south-central Yucatan state, Mexico. It was founded about the 6th century CE, presumably by Mayan peoples who had occupied the region since the Pre-Classic Period.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Chichén Itzá (often spelled Chichen Itza in English and traditional Yucatec Maya) was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period. The archeological site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico.
- Late Classic to Early Postclassic
- Yucatán
- Mark Cartwright
- Historical Overview. The name Chichen Itza probably derives from a large sinkhole known as the Sacred Cenote or 'mouth of the well of the Itza' into which the Maya threw offerings of jade and gold, and as the presence of bones testifies, human sacrifices.
- Architectural Highlights. The earlier section of Chichen Itza displays many Classic Maya traits. The Temple of the Three Lintels, for example, has Chahk masks at each corner.
- The Caracol. The Caracol is one of the most impressive monuments at the site. It was constructed prior to 800 CE and was used as an astronomical observatory, especially of Venus, and perhaps was also a temple to Kukulcan in his guise as the god of the winds.
- Pyramid of Kukulcan. Dominating Chichen Itza is the huge Pyramid of Kukulcan, also known as the Castillo (Castle), constructed before 1050 CE. The pyramid is 24 metres high, each side is 58-9 metres wide, and it has nine levels.
Learn about the history of Chichen Itza, a Mayan city founded by the Itza in the 5th century AD and a sacred pilgrimage center for the Mayans. Discover the architectural styles, the cultural influences and the enigmatic features of this ancient site in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Nov 15, 2010 · The stepped pyramids, temples, columned arcades, and other stone structures of Chichén Itzá were sacred to the Maya and a sophisticated urban center of their empire from A.D. 750 to 1200....
This sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works.
