Chichen Itza

A larger map can be accessed by clicking on the image above.

Chichen Itza is a "twin city" in that it has two distinct parts. The original city was constructed in the mid-classical period beginning in the 400s AD extending to the mid-600s. Buildings of this period are concentrated south of the Ossuary on the map above. A largely new city was constructed to the north beginning late in the 900s. Significant construction continued into the 1300s, very late for the Maya.

Credible sources disagree regarding political, religious, and other explanations for the distinctly different phases of development. But it is clear the older southern city gives prominence to the Mayan god Chaac (thunder, rain, agriculture), while the newer northern city gives greater priority to Kukulcan (also known as Quetzalcoatl). The southern city is more purely Mayan, while the northern city is distinctly Toltec in style and execution.


Standing in front of the Temple of Kukulcan (also known as El Castillo). The sum of the four stair-steps is 365, one for each day of the year.

Standing in the Ball Court, the largest in Meso-America. At the end of the Ball Court is the Temple of the Bearded Man. Kukulcan was often shown as bearded.

Standing in front of the Temple of the Warriors. Kukulcan was originally a god of wisdom and peace, but was transformed over time into a god of war. Carvings on the hundreds of pillars attending this temple tell stories of various battles.

The most prominent structure in the original part of the city is the Observatory. This is one of the very few round buildings known to be constructed by the Maya.

The so-called Annex is adorned with several carvings of Chaac in various manifestations. Appearing as rain god, Chaac is shown above the doorway behind Fred and Alexander. But in other roles he is also shown on the four corners and the pediment. A big-picture kind of person will also see the entire facade as a face-view of Chaac (the doorway is his mouth).

The Red House is one of the oldest structures at Chichen Itza. While probably first constructed in the 400s, it continued to be expanded and maintained for at least nine centuries.

Phil is standing in a small temple built at the intersections of two sacbes (straight white roads) Xtoloc cenote, shown on the map above.

If you want to know more about Chichen Itza, please access the San Francisco Exploritorium´s fine web-based introduction at: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ancientobs/chichen/flash.html