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Published: September 25th 2008
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Founding Chichen:
Chichen Itza “the mouth of the well of the Itza” owes its name to the original settlers, the Itza, who founded the city near the cenote (sinkhole or well) of Xtoloc.
Chichen Viejo (old Chichen) was occupied by ancestors of the Yucatec Maya who migrated from the south and west during the 400s CE (Common Era or AD, the time after the birth of Christ).
The newer part of Chichen, that which is centered around the pyramid of Kukulkan, was settled again during the 900s CE by another group of migrants who came from the west.
Because Chichen Itza was settled by different groups of migrating people at different times and from different places, the structures have stylistic features that may be attributed to both the Mayan and Toltec cultures.
Going to Chichen:
Chichen Itza is an archaeological site located in the state of Yucatan, Mexico about half way between the cities of Cancun and Merida.
We have been to Chichen Itza in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
It is best
to visit this site in the morning if you want to avoid the rush of tourists.
Chichen Itza can be reached by either the toll road “quota” or the free road “libre”.
The toll road has limited stopping points between Cancun and Merida, but offers a quicker commute.
If you prefer to drive through the villages and towns, this is a much cheaper, slower and allows you to become acquainted with the local people, places and culture.
Public and tour busses offer transportation from Merida and Cancun, however if you want the freedom of arranging your own schedule, car rental is also available from either Merida or Cancun.
Staying at Chichen:
Lodging is available at Mayaland Resorts Hotel and Lodge.
Mayaland is adjacent to Chichen Itza with its own entrance available to guests.
The hotel rooms and common areas are absolutely beautiful and the service is impeccable.
There is a restaurant, bar and pool for Mayaland guests.
The grounds feature walkways full of lush flowers, plants and fruit
trees.
Structures at Chichen:
El Castillo or the pyramid of Kukulkan.
This structure was built as a symbolic structure.
It sits on an axis so that the four sides face the four directions.
Each of the sides has ninety-one steps and together with the top platform the pyramid represents the number of days in the year.
One side of the pyramid features a stairway with sculpted serpent heads at the bottom.
Each fall and spring equinox the suns rays pass over the corner of the pyramid reflecting a shadow on stairway down to the serpent head creating the effect of a serpent descending the steps of the pyramid.
The Temple of the Warriors and the Thousand Columns.
Located across from the pyramid of Kukulkan.
The two are reminiscent of structures from Toltecan Tula in the present-day Mexican state of Hidalgo.
The columns were carved to represent warriors.
At the top of the Temple of
Chichen Itza
Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Thousand Columns the Warriors there is a Chac-Mool, which is a statue of a figure (can be either anthromorphic or human) situated in a reclining position and was used during ceremonial rituals.
The Ball Court.
Also across from the pyramid of Kukulkan, in the opposite direction from the Temple of the Warriors.
This is a very large ball court in very good condition.
The side walls are quite tall and in the center of each is a carved ring which players would have projected balls through using their hips.
This game was symbolic of the human life cycle and was also an interactive and a representative means of reenacting the death and rebirth of the corn god.
El Caracol (the snail) or the Observatory.
Located in Old Chichen.
This structure was built for people to observe and track the passage of the sun, moon and the planet Venus.
Such observations served as a sort of calendar or almanac for the timing of agricultural, secular and sacred activities and events.
Sacred Cenote
the well of the Itza The Sacred Cenote or well.
Although not a structure, certainly it is significant.
Offerings and sacrifices were thrown into the well for Chac, the Maya god of rain.
Objects from the well are on display in regional museums and recovered human remains show wounds that provide evidence of human sacrifice.
Observations and Opinions:
Chichen Itza is an impressive site with significant historical, cultural and archaeological importance.
Many groups, people and groups of people have claimed ownership to Chichen Itza from the time of the ancient Maya to the present day.
When visiting this site, it should be done with respect and appreciation.
I was touched by the beauty and grandeur of this site, but I was also saddened by the abuse and indifference of modern tourists.
Names are carved into the structures rather than recorded in visitor books, garbage is thrown on the ground despite numerous trash cans throughout, and the pyramid of kukulkan is used as
more an amusement park adventure than appreciated as a cultural and historic monument.
After having spent time at Chichen Itza I was left feeling as though the adjacent hotel is more respected and appreciated than the site itself.
People visiting the Yucatan should visit this site, however I hope those who do take the time to learn about and understand when, how and why it came to be recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site and a valued archaeological zone of the Institute of Anthropology and History of Yucatan, Mexico.
Further Reading:
For more detailed accounts and interpretations of the Maya and Chichen Itza the following sources are available.
The Maya, by Michael Coe
Yucatan Before and After the Conquest, by Diego de Landa
The Book of Chumayel, by Richard Luxton
The Major Gods of Ancient Yucatan, by Karl Taube
Ambivalent Conquests, by Inga Clendinnen
Maya Art and Architecture, by Mary Ellen Miller
People
El Mercado
thought to be a gathering place, rather than a market of the Serpent, by Edward Herbert Thompson
Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan
as well as Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, both by John Lloyd Stevens.
Remember:
Take nothing more than pictures!
Leave nothing more than footprints!
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