Where Is Chichen Itza? Chichen Itza Is an Ancient Mayan City Built in Approximately 400 CE
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Where is Chichen Itza? Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city built in approximately 400 CE. It is in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. In 2007, Chichen Itza was named one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Vis iting Chichen Itza When you visit Chichen Itza, the first thing you will notice is the Temple of Kukulkan. Kukulkan is a feathered snake god of the Mayans with a similar significance to a Chinese dragon. Carved serpent heads guard each set of stairs. On the spring and autumn equinox sunsets, the pyramid is designed so that Kukulkan’s shadow slithers down the steps to join the snake head at the bottom. Who were the Mayans? The Itza were the group of Mayan people who lived in the area. Chichen Itza was an extremely important pilgrimage site for 1000 years for the ancient Maya people. The Maya civilisation began before 2000 BC and lasted until 1697 when the Spanish Empire conquered their last remaining city. The Maya people lived in south-eastern Mexico. Interesting facts! What surrounds Chichen Itza? - Chichen Itza translates to ‘at the mouth of the well of the Itza’. Surrounding the main pyramids - There are also temples dedicated to different gods, are the remains of what was markets, theatres, palaces and homes. It is a place well once a bustling city. This worth visiting when you are next In Mexico! includes a ball court, which was - The ancient city of Chichen Itza was well planned in used for a highly dangerous design. The pyramids and temples were built in clusters, game that involved a five- with paved walkways in between. Archaeologists have kilogram ball being thrown high found over 80 of these walkways all over the site. into the air as well as killing the - Did you know that there are 13 ballcourts in Chichen losing team. Itza? .