Explore the fascinating journey of one of the most important Mayan cities, from its founding to its decline and rediscovery.
Chichen Itza was a pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period. The archaeological site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico.
The name "Chichen Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza." This derives from chi', meaning "mouth" or "edge", and chʼen or chʼeʼen, meaning "well". Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage group that gained political and economic dominance of the northern peninsula.
The city was a major focal point in the Northern Maya Lowlands from the Late Classic (c. AD 600–900) through the Terminal Classic (c. AD 800–900) and into the early portion of the Postclassic period (c. AD 900–1200).
Early Settlement
The earliest hieroglyphic date discovered at Chichen Itza is equivalent to 832 AD, although there is evidence of settlement in the area much earlier. During this period, the city began to take shape with its earliest structures.
Rise to Regional Power
Chichen Itza began to grow in prominence, establishing itself as a regional capital. The city expanded significantly during this period, with many major structures being constructed or expanded.
Toltec Influence
This period saw significant Toltec influence in Chichen Itza's architecture and culture. Some historians believe this was due to conquest or migration from central Mexico, while others suggest it was cultural exchange through trade networks.
Golden Age
Chichen Itza reached its peak during this period, becoming one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Mayan world. The famous El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan) was completed during this time, along with many other iconic structures.
Beginning of Decline
The city began to lose its political and economic dominance in the region. Construction of major buildings slowed, suggesting a decline in resources or political power.
Decline and Abandonment
Chichen Itza was largely abandoned as a major urban center, though it continued to be a place of pilgrimage, particularly to the Sacred Cenote. Political power in the region shifted to other cities like Mayapan.
Spanish Conquest
The Spanish arrived in the Yucatan Peninsula, leading to the final collapse of Maya civilization. Chichen Itza was already largely abandoned by this time but remained a significant religious site for the Maya.
Rediscovery and Early Exploration
Western explorers and archaeologists began to document and study Chichen Itza. John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood's visits in the 1840s brought international attention to the site.
Major Archaeological Work
Significant archaeological excavation and restoration work was carried out at Chichen Itza, led by the Carnegie Institution of Washington. This work revealed much of what we know about the site today.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value to humanity.
New Seven Wonders of the World
Chichen Itza was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World following a global voting campaign, further cementing its importance in world heritage.
Also known as "Fire Shield," he was a ruler of Chichen Itza during its height of power. His name appears on several monuments at the site, suggesting he was responsible for significant construction projects.
An American explorer who, along with Frederick Catherwood, brought Chichen Itza to international attention through their books and illustrations in the 1840s.
An English artist and architect whose detailed drawings of Chichen Itza and other Maya sites helped spark worldwide interest in Mesoamerican archaeology.
An American archaeologist who led major excavations at Chichen Itza in the 1920s and 1930s for the Carnegie Institution of Washington, uncovering much of what we know about the site.
The buildings at Chichen Itza were primarily constructed using limestone, which was abundant in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya quarried this stone using simple tools made of harder stones.
Large blocks were cut and then transported to the construction site, likely using wooden rollers and human labor. The Maya did not use the wheel for transportation, nor did they have beasts of burden, making their architectural achievements even more impressive.
The stones were precisely cut to fit together without mortar in many cases, though a mortar made from burned limestone (similar to cement) was also used. The precision of their stonework is one of the most remarkable aspects of Maya construction.
The layout of Chichen Itza shows sophisticated urban planning and astronomical alignment. Many structures, particularly El Castillo, were built with precise astronomical orientations that allowed them to mark important calendar dates through shadow effects.
The city was built in phases over several centuries, with newer structures sometimes built over older ones. Archaeological excavations have revealed that El Castillo, for example, was built over an earlier temple.
By the 13th century, Chichen Itza had lost its position as the dominant political and economic center of the Maya region. The reasons for this decline are still debated by archaeologists and historians.
Possible factors include:
While the city was largely abandoned as a major urban center, it continued to be a place of pilgrimage, particularly to the Sacred Cenote, until the Spanish conquest.
Chichen Itza was never completely lost or forgotten by the local Maya population, but it faded from wider knowledge until the 19th century. The site gained international attention following the visits of John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in the 1840s.
Major archaeological work began in the early 20th century, with significant excavations and restorations carried out by the Carnegie Institution of Washington between 1924 and 1941, led by Sylvanus Morley.
Today, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and continues to be studied by archaeologists, who regularly make new discoveries about this remarkable ancient city.
Discover the architectural wonders and cultural significance of this ancient Mayan city.
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