Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a major pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the northern centre of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Yucatán state, Mexico.

The ruins of the site are one of the greatest examples of the Maya civilization.

The name of the site is translated as “At the mouth of the well of the Itza”, considering that the word itza originates from the Maya “itz” and “a” which mean respectively “magic” and “water”.
The Chilam Balam books claim that the earlier name of the site was different but it is difficult to be identified because of the lack of any orthographic source. However it may be sounds such as Uuc Yabnal, Uuc Hab Nal or even Uc Abnal.

It is believed that the first word means seven but there are quite contradictory views on the meaning of others. They are translated as “Seven Bushes”, “Seven Houses” also “Seven Lines of Abnal”.

Somewhere between the end of the Late Classic and the earl part of the Terminal Classic, the Chichen Itza became a regional capital and significant political, social, economic as well as cultural centre.

Most likely, the city was ruled by more than one person, considering that it had a “multepal” system of government.

The Chichen Itza is consisted of numerous stone buildings which are combined in a series of architectonic sets. Some of the well known buildings are the Great North Platform, the Ossario Group and the Central Group.

There are also a few other complexes, including the Group of the Initial Series, the Group of the Lintels and the Group of the Old Castle.

The Great North Platform complex is represented by the monuments of El Castillo along with the Temple of Warriors and the Great Ball Court.

El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan is a step pyramid with square terraces which staircases lead to the four sides of the temple.

The Temple of Warriors is a large stepped pyramid which columns are all depicted with images of warriors.

The Great Ball Court is a quite amazing archaeological site, hosting the Temple of the Bearded Man and the Temples of the Jaguar.

The Ossario Group complex includes a pyramid and the Temple of Xtoloc. The temple has a number of pilasters, representing mythological scenes, images of people as well as some plant and bird species.

The Central Group complex consists of Caracol, Las Monjas and Akab Dzib.