Pyramid of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza, Mexico: heritage of the ancient Maya and Toltecs. We reveal all the secrets

The Mayan pyramids in Mexico are true monuments of antiquity. Despite the fact that there are quite a lot of them in the country, only a few will be able to visit, since most of pyramids are covered with a thick layer of earth or covered with dense vegetation.

I would like to dwell on the main attraction of Chichen Itza - the pyramid of Kukulkan, which is a real wonder of the world. Its other name - "El Castillo" - in translation means "castle". It was built in the 11th century in honor of the supreme god. Its Mayan name is "feathered serpent". It rises to a height of 25 meters. At the top of the pyramid is a temple. It is quite difficult to get there, four extensive steep stairs lead to its top, separated by 18 flights, and each of them previously corresponded to the month of the year. Despite the difficulties of lifting, such an excursion will cause great delight. The base of the pyramid is a square with sides of 55.5 meters.

On the sides of the pyramid, you can see 9 terraces - one for each room of the kingdom of the dead. The Maya imagined the afterlife as the place where they would have to go after death.

Each staircase has 91 steps. When multiplying the number of steps of a ladder by total number stairs and add one platform located at the very top of the pyramid, on which the temple stands, the result will be 365 - a number equal to the number of days in a year.

And this is no mere coincidence. Scientists are sure that the Maya took the principle of the most ordinary calendar as the basis of the pyramid. There is also an assumption that the pyramid previously had some astronomical significance.

Staircase that goes up north side pyramids, ends at the bottom with snake heads, and they, as you know, are the main symbol of the god Kukulkan. Their location is not accidental. Climbing to the top platform is not safe. Of all the stairs, only one, the western one, has been restored. It will be possible to climb it, you just need to hold on to the iron chain stretched along it.

The Mayan city keeps many secrets, its history is unique. The pyramid of Kukulkan, which is located in this city, has another most interesting feature. It was discovered only in the 20th century, when the restoration of this building took place. Twice a year it was possible to observe an extraordinary phenomenon, which seems to many to be mystical.

Twice a year, a special visual effect appears on the pyramid. This happens on the days of the spring, as well as the autumn equinox. In anticipation of such an amazing action, several thousand people are nearby. To the nearest second, on the steps of the northern staircase, triangles of light and shadows form the image of a giant Sacred Serpent, which slowly glides to the very base of the pyramid. This phenomenon is of great importance to the Maya, because it seemed that the sacred Feathered Serpent seemed to come back to life.

This mysterious phenomenon was a signal of the onset of the equinox and proves the fact that the Maya had well-developed astronomy and geodesy. It was enough to place the pyramid at least one degree in the wrong direction, there would be no play of light at all.

Here is such a mystery lurks on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Chichen Itza - ancient Mayan city

Chichen Itza(Spanish) Chichen Itza) is an ancient Mayan city on the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico). The name, translated from the Mayan language, means "Near the entrance to the Itza well" or "The mouth of the well of water sorcerers." In a literal translation, “chi” from the Mayan language is translated as “mouth”, “chen” is a “well”, “itsa” is the name of the Mayan tribe, according to legend, they were the first to appear on our land. According to archaeologists and anthropologists, this city was built on the so-called "place of power".

This ancient Mayan city was founded by the Itza tribe around the 7th century. During the reign of King Kakupakal, in the second half of the 9th century, the city turned into an advanced power in the region. During this period, a number of majestic Puuc-style structures were built, such as the palace and the observatory, which the Spanish conquerors later nicknamed Caracol (Snail).

In the 10th century, the Itza tribe were defeated in a war with their neighbors and left the city for a while. After some time, itza, in alliance with the Toltecs, under the leadership of the priest Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkan), conquered Chichen. In 1047, Pochekishtsoy, a halach-vinik, turned Chichen Itza into the capital of his new Toltec-May state. During this period, new buildings appeared in the city, such as:

1. The step pyramid of Kukulkan, 24 meters high;
2. Temple of warriors on a 4-step pyramid;
3. Temple of the Jaguar;
4. A group of thousands of columns;
5. Sacred cenote - a well 50 meters deep for sacrifices;
6. A large 135-meter field for playing ball and other buildings.

In 1194, in the battle of Chichencheen, the Chichen troops were defeated by the Ushmals, the high priest of Kukulkan Hapaykan was captured and executed. After 222 days, the capital was captured and burned by the Mayapans, commanded by Hunakkeel. The ruler of Chichen Itza, Chakshibchak, fled to Peten Itza.
After 1244, Chichen Itza completely lost its independence and Mayapan ruled the city. At the end of the 15th century, the city was completely empty, leaving behind a number of large architectural monuments Mayan and Toltec eras. Statues of gods with characteristic Mayan plastic forms, reliefs depicting geometric and floral ornaments, and other works of art and crafts have also been preserved.

Chichen Itza is listed as a world cultural heritage UNESCO, the ancient city is the second most popular tourist attraction Mexico. When going to Mexico, be sure to include Chichen Itza in your itinerary. In 2007, the Mayan city was listed as one of the New Wonders of the World.

Popularity of the ancient city

Chichen Itza is one of the most popular places in the Yucatan and in Mexico in general. It is in second place in terms of attendance among ancient cities, only Teotihuacan () is ahead of it.

It is estimated that the number of tourists who visit this archaeological complex exceeds one million a year. A huge influx was observed here in December 2012, because it was at this time that the Mayan calendar was supposed to end. Many people wanted to spend the end of the world in the archaeological complex of Chichen Itza.

Currently, you can come to Chichen Itza with a 1-day excursion from both Cancun and Merida.

City `s history

The history of the city dates back to the 6th century AD. Then it was one of largest cities Mayan civilization. South part The ancient city was built in accordance with the traditions of the Mayan people.

In the 10th century, after the capture, the city was dominated by the Toltecs, who arrived here from Central Mexico. Later, from about the middle of the 11th century, Chichen Itza became the capital and center of the Toltec state.

Blood sacrifices began here precisely because of this people. All Northern part cities testify to their presence. A century later, the city was defeated by a huge army, which included the soldiers of three states - Ushmal, Mayapan, Itzmal.

Chichen Itza was defeated by the ruler Hunak Keel. IN further city deserted and turned into ruins (this is how the Europeans discovered it).

Many treasures were stolen by the Spaniards and the manuscripts were destroyed.

Therefore, very little can be said about history, but it is assumed that if it were not for the actions of Europeans, archaeologists could have discovered many unique finds. In 1923, Mexico began archaeological excavations, and now about 6 square kilometers of the ancient city is on the surface.

Pyramid of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza

The very first building that is very conspicuous is the huge pyramid of Kukulkan. It is the center in the city of Chichen Itza. In Spanish, it is called El Castillo, which means "castle".

The total height of the Kukulkan pyramid is 24 meters. The pyramid has nine tiers, and at the very top there is a temple.

Kukulkan, like any pyramid, has 4 faces that are directed to 4 cardinal points. And on each side a wide staircase leads up, which is decorated with snake heads below.

The path leads to the main northern staircase of the pyramid. To go upstairs, you must overcome a certain number of steps - there are 91 of them.

It is interesting that the total number of steps on the pyramid, including the upper platform, is 365, that is, an even number of days in a year.

Such a coincidence suggests that this pyramid may have some relation to the calendar, or it may have astronomical significance.

At the very top is a temple where sacrifices were made in ancient times.

As studies have shown, great pyramid was built on top of even more ancient pyramid, into which a hole in the floor of the sanctuary leads.

In the hidden rooms of the pyramid of Kukulkan, archaeologists discovered two main antiquities: the Jaguar Mat and the figure of Chaak Mool, the god of rain.

"Mat Jaguar"- is a stone throne in the shape of a jaguar, the paint on it is fiery red, it is a symbol of the power of the ruler of the city. The very first owner of this throne, according to legend, was Quetzalcoatl. The spots on the animal body and the eyes of the animal are made of jade. The fangs are carved from volcanic stone.
- made for ritual purposes. She has a flat bowl on her stomach, on which the heart of the victim was placed, for later burning.

The second name of the construction of Kukulkan is the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent (the most correct translation is the Feathered Serpent). Firstly, this pyramid and temple are dedicated to this deity. Secondly, the name is associated with a certain phenomenon.

Light illusion of Kukulkan - the play of shadows on the faces of the pyramid

Every year, at the time of the equinox, an event takes place here that attracts people to Mexico. At 3 p.m., the pyramid is lit so that the staircase casts a shadow - a series of triangles that together resemble a snake's tail.

During the movement of the luminary in the sky, the triangles go out one by one, thus, it seems that this is the tail of a huge snake, 37 meters long, moving down.

Now this phenomenon can be seen not only on certain days, but every evening a light show is held here.

Kukulkan: the right side of the pyramid has been restored, the left one has not been restored

Learn more about the Pyramid of Kukulkan on our website - "Pyramid of Kukulkan - the ancient Mayan god"

Temples of the ancient city of Chichen Itza

Temple of the Warriors as well as the Temple of the Jaguars are important buildings in the city of Chichen Itza. Both stand on small pyramids with 4 steps. Both have many paintings.

Temple of the Warriors

The Temple of the Warriors is located on the western side of the Kikulkan Pyramid. It has four platforms, and on three sides around it you can see rows of three-meter stone columns. They are called "Group of a Thousand Columns".

The pillars are skillfully carved from stone, and represent Toltec warriors, as if standing in formation. Once upon a time they propped up the roof.

On south side from the temple there is a small building, which has the name "Market".

The upper sanctuary also once had a roof, now it is gone, and at the top there are two "snakes" that guarded the passage to the temple.

There is also a statue of a man in a reclining position on the platform. This is Chaak Mool - the god of rain.

The Temple of the Jaguar has two shrines: an upper and a lower one. At the top, the elite watched the game on the field.

At the entrance to the lower sanctuary, you can see the figure of a jaguar, thanks to which the temple got its name.

Another building is called the Temple or the tomb of the great priest. During Mayan times, it played an important role.

Externally, the structure is similar to other temples with pyramids. But its difference is that inside there is a passage to a cave underground. Ancient graves of noble people were discovered there.

The second name of this building is Osuari, in other words, the crypt.

Other attractions

In addition to temples, the city of Chichen Itza has other interesting places.

Sacred Cenote is a huge well. Its diameter is approximately 60 meters, and the depth of the well is 50 meters. There is water in it, from the edge to its surface about 20 meters.

The well served as the place where the sacrificed young girls were thrown. Therefore, the second name of this object is the Well of Death.

Ball fields

There are 9 ball fields on the territory of the archaeological complex. This game was somewhat similar to modern basketball, only it was played with a heavy rubber ball, which could only be hit with the hip. Instead of ordinary baskets, stone rings are attached to the walls.

The found sites are quite large, the largest one is located in the northern part of the complex. Its dimensions are: length - 160 meters, width - 70. The entire field is surrounded by eight-meter walls, they depict scenes of torment of losing players and many skulls.

Caracol tower - ancient observatory

Another ancient building is Karakol. This is a tower on two platforms, it was used to observe celestial astronomical objects. It is often referred to as the Observatory.

One of the most famous places, which is definitely worth a visit to all tourists traveling in Mexico, is the ancient city of Chichen Itza. In translation, its name means "Mouth of the well of water sorcerers" or "Place near the well of the Itza tribe." This place is mysterious, very colorful and even a little ominous.

Chichez Itza - World Cultural Heritage Site

In the past, the city was political and cultural center Maya-Toltec civilization. And now, becoming one of the objects world heritage UNESCO, attracts a huge number of tourists. According to rough estimates, more than a million people visit this archaeological complex every year. Chichen Itza gained immense popularity not only due to the fact that it is quite well preserved. It has become the quintessence of religious beliefs and ideas about the structure of the universe and the surrounding world. A special influx of tourists occurred in December 2012. Believing in an ancient prophecy, many adherents of the famous calendar rushed to Chichen Itza, wanting to "meet" the end of the world among ancient structures Mayan.

Chichen Itza: history of occurrence

It is rather difficult to reliably describe the history of the creation of the city, since there are practically no manuscripts describing the ancient events of Chichen Itza - they were destroyed by the Spanish conquerors. Archaeologists believe that people first began to settle in this place from the 4th century, and the first city buildings began to be erected around the 6th - 7th centuries. At the same time, an urban community arose. Until the 10th century Chichen Itza was the home of the Mayan Indians. And by the end of the X century. the city was conquered by the conquerors from Central Mexico - the Toltecs, who practiced sacrifices and served the cult of the Feathered Serpent. They did not begin to destroy Chichen Itza, but on the contrary, they were firmly rooted in it. During the reign of the Toltecs, the city became one of the most powerful settlements in the Yucatan Peninsula. From the 11th century the Toltecs made it the capital of their empire. Over time, it gradually changed and more and more acquired Toltec features. The symbiosis of two peculiar cultures made the ancient city truly unique. For unknown reasons, at the end of the XII century. it was abandoned by the inhabitants and overgrown with jungle. Only in 1920 did archaeologists discover its mysterious structures to the world.

The main attractions of the ancient Mayan city

most famous building of the ancient city is the pyramid of Kukulkan (or otherwise - the pyramid of El Castillo). In 2007, she entered the list of the seven new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza was built in the 11th century. joint efforts of the Maya and Toltec Indians. They erected a grandiose monument dedicated to the wind, Quetzalcoatl, which had the appearance of a feathered serpent with a human head. The Maya Indians called the deity Kukulkan, that is, "feathered serpent." This building was created on the basis of Mayan and Toltec cosmological and calendar knowledge. It reaches a height of 24 m, and its faces face all four cardinal points. At the top of the pyramid is a platform, which in ancient times was used for making sacrifices.

Four steep and wide staircases lead to the platform, each of which consists of 91 steps, which in total (together with the upper platform) gives a sign number 365, equal to the number of days in solar year. On each side of the pyramid there are 18 sections - terraces. This number is also symbolic. It is equal to the number of months in the Mayan calendar. In addition, there are 52 stone reliefs on each of the four sides of the pyramid. They represent the coincidence of the special calendar cycles of the Toltecs - the daily xiupoualli and the daily tonalpoualli - occurring once every 52 years. Interestingly, inside the sanctuary there is another nine-stage pyramid, the entrance to which was found relatively recently. There is a relic - "Jaguar Mat" and a statue of "Chuck Mool".

The second unique attraction of the city of Chichen Itza in Mexico is famous Temple Warriors. It is located right behind the pyramid of El Castillo and is a monumental five-step pyramid, reaching a height of 11.5 m.

It is surrounded on all sides by columns made in the form of Toltec warriors. That is why the pyramid got its name. At its top is a temple, consisting of a hall and a sanctuary. An impressive staircase surrounded by balustrades leads to the temple. The entrance to the sanctuary is marked by snakes carved from stone. In the temple there is a stone altar resembling a low table, the legs of which are made in the form of human figures. There is also an ugly stone idol of the Toltec deity Chak-Mool - a reclining demon holding a large empty dish in his hands and pressing it to his stomach. It is believed that it was on this dish that the priests burned the hearts of their victims.

Another mysterious attraction of the ancient Mayan city is the "Sacred Cenote"

Not only the pyramids of Chichen Itza in Mexico deserve the attention of many tourists. To the north of the El Castillo monument is another mysterious attraction called the Sacred Cenote (otherwise known as the Well of Death). This karst formation, unlike other wells, did not serve the Toltecs as a source of fresh water.

Priests threw victims into it, glorifying their gods. The "well of death" had a depth of 50 m and was considered a kind of portal to the other world. In the period from 1910 - 1925. it was examined by Herbert Thompson, who extracted from it a large number of antiquities: products made of gold, ceramics, rubber, obsidian and, of course, many human remains.

Pyramid of Ossuari

In Chichen Itza, there is another karst formation - the Shtolok cenote, which is located south of the Temple of Kukulkan. It, unlike the "Well of Death", was used by the Toltecs exclusively as a source drinking water. A little later, the scientist G. Thompson investigated another interesting pyramid Chichen Itza - Osuari (otherwise - Crypt).

It, like the Temple of Kukulkan, was built with stairs on each of its four sides. Interestingly, in the center of the pyramid there is a deep vertical hole leading to natural cave. In it, Thompson found several interesting artifacts from jade, as well as human remains.

ball court

Another ominous attraction of the city of Chichen Itza is Tzompantli. It is a T-shaped platform, the walls of which are decorated with relief images of skulls.

Used by Tzompantli to display the heads of victims as well as prisoners of war. To the west of the Temple of Skulls is one of the nine ball courts, striking in its grandiose size. Its length is 168 m and its width is about 70 m. It is believed that it was built in 864 AD. To the east of the site is the Temple of the Jaguar, which includes two shrines. The upper sanctuary is located on the wall that bounds the site. Probably from here they watched the ball game. The lower sanctuary is located on the outside of the site. Near its entrance there is a monument - a figure of a jaguar. In the northern part playground there is another building - the Temple of the Bearded Man. A staircase leads to its entrance, divided by two pillars. Inside the temple is decorated with a relief, in the center of which is the figure of a man with a beard.

Observatory Caracol

To the south of the ball court there are several other attractions, including the Red House - a building with a red facade - and Caracol (translated as "snail shell") - a tower built on a platform. It is believed that it was used by the Maya Indians for observing astronomical objects, calculations, and therefore Caracol is otherwise called the Observatory.

South of the tower is another powerful building of the Toltecs, which the Spaniards called " Convent"for its majestic and impregnable appearance. It reaches a height of 20 m, and its base is 70 m by 35 m. A wide staircase leads to the entrance to the monastery. The building itself is decorated with masks of the god Chak and various relief patterns.

How to get to the ancient city of Chichen Itza?

This world cultural heritage site is located 1.5 km from the small Mexican settlement of Piste, located between two major cities northern Yucatan - Cancun and Merida. You can get to the city of Chichen Itza on your own by renting a car or using a bus (a ticket for it costs from 80 to 140 pesos, depending on the class). Taxi will cost you much more public transport, since the distance from Cancun or Merida is not close, about 200 km and 120 km, respectively. open archaeological zone for visitors daily, from 8:00 to 17:00. If you want to save money - go sightseeing Maya and Toltec on Sunday, admission is free.

Chichen Itza's city Latin America located on the Yucatan Peninsula. This real center Maya civilization. It is located 120 km from Merida and has many architectural monuments. The UNESCO organization recognized Chichen Itza as a world cultural heritage site, now this city is extremely popular among tourists.

Story

The history of Chichen Itza dates back to the 5th-6th centuries. This city immediately becomes the center of the Yucatan, with regards to culture, politics and religion. The number of inhabitants here reached 30 thousand, the city became a center of pilgrimage, merchants and wanderers came here. First, the Mayan tribes lived here, then Chichen Itza was captured by the Toltecs.

The rulers of the Mayan tribes have always increased their power and influence, so the fact of the collapse of the empire seems strange. The inhabitants simply left the city. There was a drought, problems with the harvest, famine. But even this does not explain the collapse of civilization. In the annals of the Spaniards, the Maya appear as a tribe with primitive foundations, so the conquerors very quickly managed to take matters into their own hands.

In the 15th century, cattle grazed here, although earlier the territory was crowded and rich. In the middle of the 19th century, people began to show interest in Maya culture. Historians and cultural figures were very interested in the place. Excavations began to be carried out here, and in the 20th century it was decided to restore the original appearance of this place.

Attractions

We present to your attention a description of the main attractions of the Mexican city. You can also appreciate the city of Chichen Itza in the photo.

The sights of Chichen Itza are not limited to this list. There are wonderful platforms, columns, places with amazing views. The ruins of 4 colonnades form a huge rectangle called the "Group of a Thousand Columns". Statues representing various deities are well preserved here. For those who are interested in history, the city becomes a real find.

How to get there?

We have analyzed where Chichen Itza is located, now it remains to understand how to get there. You can travel to these places with tourist group for an excursion. It can be ordered at any hotel. It will cost less than traveling on your own, it will be possible to visit several places at once, see the sights. But in this case, you will move with big group tourists, time will be limited. You may not have time to pay due attention to the details that are interesting to you. And you are unlikely to see a night light show with sound. There is an option to hire a personal guide, the tour can be individual.

Another option is to go to Chichen Itza on the ADO bus. It can be done:

1) bus Cancun - Chichen Itza: ~3 hours on the way;

2) from Playa del Carmen the road will take 4 hours;

3) from Merida can be reached in 1.5 hours.

Depending on the place of departure, tickets can cost 140-320 pesos, prices change regularly, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with them in advance.

The third way to come to Chichen Itza is to rent a car. Along the way, you can see many sights. If you are leaving from Cancun, there will be 2 roads, paid and free.

You need to come to Chichen Itza as early as possible. The complex opens at 8 am and is only open until 5 pm. In the evening, there is a light show that starts at 7 (winter) or 8 (summer) pm. Tickets are not cheap, but there really is something to see.

The ancient city of Chichen Itza, Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula) is a storehouse of information about the life of ancient tribes, their culture, traditions and customs. No wonder the pyramid became a wonder of the world in the new list, adopted in 2007. This is a place that everyone should visit, especially if you are interested in history. Moreover, it is beautiful and very atmospheric!