Mayan Civilization Chichen Itza

As the most well-known tourist destination and center for Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza is the first thing that comes to mind in this context. It was built during the Mayan civilization in the Yucatan state of present day Mexico. It is now federal property and managed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

Description

It was funded around 445 BC and inhabited till 1204 AD after which it was mysteriously abandoned. It is around 120 miles west of Cancun. It rose to power in the early classical period and became a major capital.

While it rose to prominence, around the same time, other major centers of the southern Mayan lowlands seemed to have declined and fragmented. Whilst they are said to have a system with elites ruling this has been questioned for lack of certainty. It was also a major economic center during its height of power.

This can be deduced from the fact that they seemed to have had the ability to gain resources that they did not have from other areas. This is very similar to the modern day practice of importing and exporting goods.

Main sites of tourist attraction

There are many tourist sites in Chichen Itza. Two main popular ones are:

El - Cartillo

It is situated atop the pyramid. It is slightly more than 29mt high. It was built in representation of Kukulkan, the feathered serpent god. This temple accurately predicts the spring and fall equinox. People flock to see it at this time of the year to observe the serpent shadows formed.

Ball Court

This is a court that was apparently used by the Mayan to play a ball game. The game however, remains a mystery. Experts are still trying to decipher how exactly the ball game is played and what the rules are etc.

Apart from all these facts, it is also a very beautiful place to visit and tourists who go there enjoy the mysterious and eerie ambience it provides.