We took a day to be real tourists and drove about 90 miles from Merida to visit the famous Chichen Itza Mayan ruins. We had a personal guide who spent two hours explaining the culture, history and purpose of each building. Here are some of the highlights
Over 1,533 years ago the Mayan pyramids 0f Chichen Itza were constructed. In the Mayan language Chi = mouth, chen = well and Itza was the name of the tribe inhabiting the city. In 2007 Chichen Itaz was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Today, only 35% of the site has been excavated with on-going archaeological digs.
Over 1,533 years ago the Mayan pyramids 0f Chichen Itza were constructed. In the Mayan language Chi = mouth, chen = well and Itza was the name of the tribe inhabiting the city. In 2007 Chichen Itaz was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Today, only 35% of the site has been excavated with on-going archaeological digs.
As the Mayans did not have horses or oxen, every stone was carved, carried to the site and put in place by hand. This is the Kukulkan pyramid used for ritual sacrifice and official proclamations by the Mayan rulers.
During the summer solstice and the autumn equinox the sun shines through the door at the top of the pyramid displaying the shadow of a serpent down the steps.
On Sundays, athletes played a game on the ball field. The players were only allowed to touch a rubber ball, the size of a softball, with their feet, legs and hips aiming it through a hoop to score point.
No mean feat when you consider the hoop is about 20 feet off the ground!
From box seats high above the ball field, the Mayan ruler and his family would watch the game, as well as the sacrifice of the captain of the winning team. His sacrifice was considered a great honor.
The Group of a Thousand Columns was the central market place of the city.
The Observatory was used by Mayan astronomers to create the 365 day Mayan calendar.
The purpose of this building was never established and for lack of a better name, the conquering Spaniards called it "The School".
There are no lakes or rivers in the Yucatan. However, there is a huge aquifer under limestone. Local lore suggests that the many cenotes (sink holes) throughout the region were created by meteors hitting the earth during the time of the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The water in this cenote is over 40 feet from the opening above.Great for swimming after a hot day at the ruins.
" Look Mom.....no hands!"We're headed to the beach.......join us soon for swimming, snorkling and sand.
Ben & Lindy
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