El Castillo — Temple of Kukulcan |
Private path to Chichén Itzá Ruins |
The name Chichen Itza derives from the Sacred Cenote as the "mouth of the well of the Itza". The Itza were a powerful Maya group in the area. The city is divided into two parts and periods. The earliest is in the South part of the city and is Classic Maya with buildings that display distinct "Puuc" architectural styles and is constructed on a north-south axis.
The northern part of Chichen displays many hallmarks of the Toltec Culture dating 900 to 1200 CE. Its unknown if the Toltecs either conquered the city or there was cultural and trade sharing between the two cultures. There are still a lot of Mysteries concerning Chichen Itza and it's wonderful to explore.
El Osario |
Corbeled Arch |
El Akab Dzib |
Iquana Welcome at Las Monjas |
Casa de Las Monjas |
El Caracol |
Great Ballcourt |
Bench Panel – Captains Head is Left, Snakes of Blood is Right |
In fact, in the sacred ball game there were 6 team members and the captain played on the bench alone. The captain was the only one who could hit the hard rubber ball through the hoop. When the winning captain finally hit the ball through the hole, he was decapitated, as losing ones head was an honor in this sport. Some game!
Temple of Kulkucan |
Small Ballcourt |
Modern Maya |
Highly Recommended!
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