Chichen Itza on the peninsula of Yucatán (Mexico) - Mayan city of the fourth century

Chichen Itza is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in the world. This pre-Columbian Mayan city, located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, has attracted the attention of tourists, archaeologists and history buffs for years. What makes this place so special? Why has it become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Mayan civilization? In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Chichen Itza, its most important structures and interesting facts about the site. You will also learn how vast and complex this ancient city was, and why it is worth visiting, even if you are not a history buff.

A Brief History of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was founded around 450 AD by the ancient Mayan civilization. At first, it was a small settlement that later developed into a powerful political, religious and commercial center. The city reached its peak between the 9th and 11th centuries. During this time, Chichen Itza became one of the most important Mayan cities, and its influence extended far beyond the Yucatan Peninsula.

However, in the 15th century, for reasons that are not fully understood, Chichen Itza was abandoned by its inhabitants. Some historians suggest that this may have been due to civil war, drought, or natural disaster. Whatever the cause, the city fell into oblivion for hundreds of years. It was not until the late 19th century that it was rediscovered by American archaeologist Edward Herbert Thompson, who devoted many years to research and excavation of the site.

El Castillo – Temple of Kulkulkan

Without a doubt, the most recognizable symbol of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kulkulkan, also known as El Castillo. This impressive step pyramid is 30 meters high and consists of nine terraces. Each side of the pyramid has 91 steps leading to the top, for a total of 364 steps. If we add the step leading to the temple itself at the top, we get 365 steps – exactly as many as there are days in a year. This convergence has long fascinated researchers and testifies to the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Maya.

During the equinoxes, which occur twice a year – in spring and autumn – an unusual phenomenon can be observed on the steps of El Castillo. The sun's rays cast a shadow on the steps of the pyramid in such a way that a shape resembling a snake appears on the terraces, which slowly "descends" to the ground. This is a reference to the god Kulkulkan, who in Mayan beliefs was depicted as a feathered serpent. This spectacular display of nature combined with Mayan architecture attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.

Temple of the Warriors and Chac Mool

Chichen Itza is not just El Castillo. Another extremely important building in the city is the Temple of the Warriors (Templo de los Guerreros). This is a structure of impressive size, the pillars of which are decorated with carvings of warrior figures and Feathered Serpents - another reference to the god Kulkulkan.

At the top of this temple is an extraordinary statue known as Chac Mool. It is a semi-reclining figure with his hands on his stomach, the meaning of which is still a subject of debate among archaeologists. Some believe that Chac Mool was used to make offerings to the gods, which was supposed to ensure the city's prosperity.

El Caracol – Mayan observatory

The Maya were not only great builders, but also outstanding astronomers. One proof of their advanced knowledge of the movements of celestial bodies is El Caracol, or astronomical observatory. The name "El Caracol" comes from the spiral staircase inside the building, which resembles a snail shell.

El Caracol is located on two terraces, and the tower itself is about 12 meters high and 6.7 meters in diameter. It is believed that the Maya used this building to observe the stars, the Moon and the planets, which allowed them to accurately predict the seasons, eclipses and other astronomical phenomena. It is amazing how precisely they were able to do this without the modern tools we have today.

Tzompantli – the macabre platform of skulls

One of the most terrifying but fascinating sites at Chichen Itza is the Tzompantli, or platform of skulls. This rectangular building measuring 60 by 12 meters is decorated with numerous skulls that adorn its walls. In ancient times, it was a place where skulls of victims offered to the gods were displayed. It is a macabre testimony to the sacrificial rituals of the Maya, which were supposed to ensure the favor of the gods and prosperity.

Tzompantli is a prime example of how deeply rooted the concept of sacrifice was in Mayan beliefs. The Mayans believed that the offering of blood, and in extreme cases even life, was necessary to maintain the balance of the world and ensure abundant harvests and peace in their communities.

The Ball Court – Ritual and Sport

Chichen Itza is also famous for having one of the largest ball courts in all of Mesoamerica. The court measures 166 meters long and 68 meters wide. The ball game, known as pok-ta-pok, was not only a form of entertainment but also an important religious ritual. The rules of the game were simple: two teams competed by trying to throw a rubber ball through stone rings mounted on the walls of the court.

However, the game of pok-ta-pok had a much deeper meaning than just a simple sport. It was often accompanied by sacrificial rituals, and some historians suggest that the losing team may have been condemned to death as a sacrifice to the gods. This made the game not only physically challenging, but also emotionally challenging, with lives at stake.

Akab Dzib and other structures at Chichen Itza

There are also many other structures at Chichen Itza that were an integral part of everyday life in the city. One of these is the Akab Dzib, a small building that served as an administrative office. It was 6 meters high, 50 meters long and 15 meters wide. It is believed to have been the home of local officials who governed the city.

Another interesting structure is the Group of a Thousand Columns – a complex of colonnades that probably served as covered trading or meeting places. Each column was precisely carved and decorated, which is evidence of the high level of Mayan craftsmanship.

Chichen Itza Awards and Recognitions

Chichen Itza, in addition to its archaeological and historical significance, has also won numerous prestigious awards and recognitions that confirm its exceptional value on the international stage. The most important of these is undoubtedly a place on the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which Chichen Itza obtained in 2007. In an online poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation, millions of people from all over the world cast their votes, recognizing this ancient city as one of the most important cultural heritage sites on Earth.

In addition, in 1988, Chichen Itza was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an official recognition of its unique historical and cultural value. This UNESCO protection ensures that the site will be preserved for future generations, and also supports scientific research that can provide even more information about the Mayan civilization.

The city has also been recognized in numerous tourist plebiscites. Travel magazines and cultural heritage organizations have named Chichen Itza as one of the most important places to visit in Latin America, as well as the most visited archaeological site in Mexico.

Chichen Itza in movies and books

Chichen Itza, with its majestic buildings and mysterious atmosphere, has long fascinated filmmakers and writers. Its distinctive architecture and the beliefs associated with it have inspired many productions.

One of the most recognizable films featuring Chichen Itza is "Apocalypto" (2006), directed by Mel Gibson. Although the film tells the story of the fall of the Mayan civilization, it does not directly depict the events at Chichen Itza, but many scenes refer to the architecture of the city, including the pyramids and sacrificial rituals that took place in the temples.

In literature, Chichen Itza often becomes the backdrop for stories full of mysteries and ancient rituals. An example is the book "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", which takes the protagonist on a whirlwind of adventures related to the Mayan civilization. Although the book does not make direct references to Chichen Itza, the architecture and atmosphere of the city undoubtedly inspired the creators of the plot.

Fantasy novels and thrillers also often use the mystical nature of this place. Stonehenge series of books by Bernard Cornwell successfully transports readers to the world of ancient civilizations, where the mysteries and secrets of places like Chichen Itza play a key role in the plot.

Unusual facts about Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza holds many secrets and curiosities that are not widely known, but that add even more magic to this place. One of the most surprising is the fact that the sounds in Chichen Itza have extraordinary acoustic properties. An example is the echo that can be heard when clapping in front of the Temple of Kulkulkan. The sound bouncing off the pyramid's steps resembles... a bird's song. Scientists suggest that the Mayans may have deliberately designed the pyramid in such a way as to simulate the song of the quetzal - the sacred bird of the Mayans.

Another interesting fact is that Chichen Itza, and especially El Castillo, is perfectly aligned with the solar cycle. In addition to the previously mentioned equinox phenomenon, when the shadow of a snake appears on the pyramid's steps, the layout of the entire city is also in line with the movement of the sun. Every important structure in Chichen Itza was designed with the observation of the sky and celestial bodies in mind.

An interesting fact that attracts the attention of many researchers is also the underground river located under El Castillo. In 2015, archaeologists discovered that there is a large reservoir under the pyramid, which probably had ritual significance. Moreover, such reservoirs, called cenotes, were places of worship and sacrifices to the gods.

We cannot forget about the so-called Kulkulkan prophecy, which has been controversial for years. Some believe that the Mayans predicted the end of the world, which would occur on December 21, 2012. Although this date passed without major disasters, many people visited Chichen Itza at that time, believing that this place was crucial in the "transition" between eras. Although the prophecy turned out to be wrong, it in itself aroused great interest in this ancient city.

Chichen Itza continues to fascinate, and although many of its secrets have already been discovered, it certainly still holds many surprises that await modern researchers.

Chichen Itza in contemporary culture

Chichen Itza is not just a historical site. On July 7, 2007, it was chosen by Internet users as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This prestigious distinction further emphasized the importance of this place on the international stage and made it one of the most frequently visited monuments in Mexico.

Interestingly, Chichen Itza has also inspired many films, books, and computer games. The mysterious atmosphere of this city, its majestic buildings and the rituals associated with them attract not only tourists, but also artists and pop culture creators.

Summary

Chichen Itza is a place that fascinates with its history, architecture and culture. This city has played an important role in the Mayan civilization for centuries, and today it is one of the most important monuments of the world heritage. From the majestic Temple of Kulkulkan, through the mysterious Tzompantli, to the vast ball court - Chichen Itza is a place that transports us back in time and allows us to feel the spirit of the ancient Mayans.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Mexico, do not forget to visit Chichen Itza. It is not only one of the wonders of the world, but also a treasure trove of knowledge about one of the most advanced civilizations that has ever existed on our planet.