The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are a huge tourist attraction. Chichen Itza is a large archaeological site. This site was originally constructed by the Mayans, and it's found just about 70 miles away from the capital of Yucatan, Mexico. The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are a compelling site, which attracts a lot of travellers yearly but there's quite a lot that many people tend not to know about the place.
Etymology
The name "Chichen Itza" is actually a Mayan name that means, "on the mouth of the well of Itza." The term Chichen comes from the words "Chi" that closely translates as mouth or edge plus "ch'e'en" which signifies "well." Itza likely generally translates as wizards or enchantment or magician of the water.
Origins of the Site
The archaelogical site is divided into two primary areas. One part originates from the older classic Mayan era and it was developed in the 7th to 10th centuries. The other area has characteristics belonging to the Mayan-Toltec era, created around the 11-13th centuries. This site is currently the largest of all Mayan ruins found in Yucatan.
What You can See
This site was not long ago named one of the Seven Wonders of the World so there is plenty to see there. El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan is among the primary points of interest of Chichen Itza. Positioned on the main platform, the El Castillo is actually a stunning step pyramid that is just about 30 meters tall! In the afternoon in the spring and autumn equinox, the sunlight cast on the corner of this pyramid creates a series of triangle-shaped shadows, that all combine to produce the shape of a serpent moving down the pyramid. That was a deliberate design created by the Mayans to represent the serpent god Kukulkan.
Yet another famous point of interest is the Great Ball Court. Measuring 545 feet by 223 feet, the Great Ball Court located at Chichen Itza is the largest ball court from the Mesoamerica era. The court was employed in its period to play Mesoamerican games. There is a temple area placed at either end of the ball court. One of these temples is called the Temple of the Bearded Man and the other is known as the Temple of the Jaguar.
The cenote sagrado or "sacred well" is an interesting feature of Chichen Itza. The Mayans used 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 market place, Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol, or the observatory, Tzompantli or Wall of Skulls and La Iglesia or The Church.
There is so much to see and do in the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins you must be certain 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.
Protect Your Family With Commonwealth Life Perusahaan Asuransi Terbaik Indonesia
About the Author:
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.
0 comments
Post a Comment