For A Look Into Mayan History Visit The Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are an enormous tourist attraction. Chichen Itza is usually a big archaeological site. The place was originally established by the Mayans, and it's located about 70 miles away from the capital of Yucatan, Mexico. The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are an interesting site, which appeals to lots of vacationers annually but there is a great deal that most people do not know about the place.
Etymology
The actual name "Chichen Itza" is actually a Mayan name which means, "on the mouth of the well of Itza." The word Chichen is derived from the words "Chi" which directly translates as mouth or edge plus "ch'e'en" which signifies "well." Itza probably generally translates as wizards or enchantment or magician of the water.
Origins of the Site
The site is split into two primary areas. One area originates from the older classic Mayan period and this was developed through the 7th to 10th centuries. The other part has characteristics from the Mayan-Toltec period, built in the 11-13th centuries. This site is currently the most significant of all the Mayan ruins found in Yucatan.
What You can See
The site was not long ago named one of the Seven Wonders of the World so there is a lot to discover there. El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan is among the primary sights of Chichen Itza. Situated on the main platform, the El Castillo is actually a magnificent step pyramid that is just about 30 meters tall! During the afternoon during the spring and autumn equinox, the sunlight cast on the corner of this pyramid causes a number of triangle-shaped shadows, that all combine to create the shape of a serpent going down the pyramid. That was an intentional design made by the Mayans to represent the serpent god Kukulkan.
Another popular point of interest is the Great Ball Court. Measuring in at 545 feet by 223 feet, the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza is actually the largest ball court from the Mesoamerica era. This court was utilized in its period to play Mesoamerican games. There's a temple area found at both ends of the ball court. One of these temples is known as the Temple of the Bearded Man and the other is referred to as the Temple of the Jaguar.
The cenote sagrado or "sacred well" is an interesting characteristic of Chichen Itza. The Mayans employed the cenote in order to make both human and object sacrifices to the Mayan rain god Chaac.
Other intriguing elements are the El Mercado, or the marketplace, Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol, or the observatory, Tzompantli or Wall of Skulls and the La Iglesia or The Church.
There is so much to see and do in the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins you need to make sure you already know what you wish to see just before you go to ensure that you are able to make the most of your day.
Etymology
The actual name "Chichen Itza" is actually a Mayan name which means, "on the mouth of the well of Itza." The word Chichen is derived from the words "Chi" which directly translates as mouth or edge plus "ch'e'en" which signifies "well." Itza probably generally translates as wizards or enchantment or magician of the water.
Origins of the Site
The site is split into two primary areas. One area originates from the older classic Mayan period and this was developed through the 7th to 10th centuries. The other part has characteristics from the Mayan-Toltec period, built in the 11-13th centuries. This site is currently the most significant of all the Mayan ruins found in Yucatan.
What You can See
The site was not long ago named one of the Seven Wonders of the World so there is a lot to discover there. El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan is among the primary sights of Chichen Itza. Situated on the main platform, the El Castillo is actually a magnificent step pyramid that is just about 30 meters tall! During the afternoon during the spring and autumn equinox, the sunlight cast on the corner of this pyramid causes a number of triangle-shaped shadows, that all combine to create the shape of a serpent going down the pyramid. That was an intentional design made by the Mayans to represent the serpent god Kukulkan.
Another popular point of interest is the Great Ball Court. Measuring in at 545 feet by 223 feet, the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza is actually the largest ball court from the Mesoamerica era. This court was utilized in its period to play Mesoamerican games. There's a temple area found at both ends of the ball court. One of these temples is known as the Temple of the Bearded Man and the other is referred to as the Temple of the Jaguar.
The cenote sagrado or "sacred well" is an interesting characteristic of Chichen Itza. The Mayans employed the cenote in order to make both human and object sacrifices to the Mayan rain god Chaac.
Other intriguing elements are the El Mercado, or the marketplace, Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol, or the observatory, Tzompantli or Wall of Skulls and the La Iglesia or The Church.
There is so much to see and do in the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins you need to make sure you already know what you wish to see just before you go to ensure that you are able to make the most of your day.
Source...