American Mayan pyramids. Pyramids of the city of Chichen Itza in Mexico - a new wonder of the world from the Maya
Mexico country holding the largest number ancient ruins, many of which are the subject of permanent archaeological research to reveal to us, hidden for centuries under a dense cover of dense jungle. The provinces of Chiapas, Yucatán and Quintana Rú are known for their archaeological sites with the ruins of Mayan cities open to tourists.
Palenque
located in tropical forest province of Chiapas, near the Usumacinta River, the ruins of the city of Palenque impress with their size and splendor of the preserved buildings. For 15 sq. km found on this moment over a thousand buildings. The archaeological zone includes the "Temple of the Sun", the "Temple of the Cross", the "Temple of the Inscriptions", the ruins of the palace and many other buildings. The "Temple of the Inscriptions" stands out in particular, where a sarcophagus was found with the burial place of one of the greatest rulers of Palenque - Pakal. The bas-reliefs on the walls of the palace and the decoration of the ball field are striking. Palenque is considered the most beautiful and impressive museum under open sky in Mexico. Whether ancient symbols or examples of Mayan art, the ruins of Palenque will surely give you an idea of the development of the Mayan civilization.
How to get there: it is not difficult to get to this archaeological zone. You can get by bus to the modern city of Palenque, and from there by another bus to the archaeological complex itself - 10 minutes. Or take advantage of a guided tour offered by your tour operator, which may be a little more expensive, but definitely more comfortable.
Yaxchilan
The ruins of the Mayan city of Yaxchilan are located 4 hours drive from Palenque, on the border with Guatemala in the heart of the jungle, on the banks of the Usumacinta River. Yaxchilan is a truly inexhaustible pantry of a huge number of monuments of architecture and writing of the Mayan people, a significant part of which is exhibited in National Museum Anthropology in Mexico City. Yaxchilan was considered one of the most influential cities of the Pachan kingdom and competed in influence with Palenque.
A trip to Yaxchilan will give an unforgettable experience to all connoisseurs ancient history- walls painted with hieroglyphs, reflecting the important events of the kingdom, altars and steles, ancient temples will not leave anyone indifferent. A untouched nature, surrounding the ruins, with incredible amount birds, reptiles and howler monkeys create a backdrop that will take your breath away.
How to get there: First by bus, then half an hour by boat along the Usumacinta River, which separates Mexico and Guatemala, to the archaeological zone of Yaxchilan.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza attracts travelers from all over the world as one of the largest archaeological parks in the Yucatan Peninsula with the famous Kukulkan pyramid, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world in 2007. The complex is located on a plot of 2.5 square kilometers and is visited daily by about 10,000 tourists, mainly from the nearby seaside resort Cancun.
Most famous building- Pyramid Kukulkan 24 m high with 365 steps on four sides. Unfortunately, the ascent to the pyramid is closed. But on the other hand, there will be time to see: the Red House, the House of the Deer, the monastery and its annexes, the church, Akab Dzib, the Temple with three lintels and the Pali House, a huge field for playing ball, as well as a deep ritual well of the cenote, which was used for sacrifices to the god rain Tlaloc.
How to get there: from Cancun 195 km on a good road, travel time is about 2 hours.
Bonampak
Located in the state of Chiapas, former city Mayan Bonampak is popular for its preserved frescoes and Temple of Paintings. The frescoes are recognized as the best found in the Mayan world and for them we suggest visiting this archaeological site, although it will seem small to you compared to Yaxchilan.
How to get there: when traveling to Yaxchilan, as a rule, all excursions include a visit to Bonampak. We would not recommend getting there ourselves, unless we take local Indians who know their roads well as guides.
Koba
Coba is the second most visited ruins of the ancient Mayan city in the province of Quintana Rú (after Tulum). Access to the main pyramid of the city, 42 meters high, is still allowed, and if you want to enjoy climbing the pyramid under the scorching tropical sun, then you should come here!
However, the main vast territory of the Coba archaeological zone is immersed in the jungle, through which you can walk from one building to another or use tourist trains or rented bicycles. On this long walk you can see not only picturesque ruins but also admire the beautiful cenotes and the lush vegetation around them.
How to get there: From the resorts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, excursions are offered, often combining visits to Coba and Tulum. Distance 173 km. Also go Shuttle Buses from the bus stations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Tulum
Tulum is famous as the only known Mayan city built on the coast. caribbean. It is also the only Mayan city that is surrounded by a wall. Usually the Maya did not strengthen their city-states, did not build fortifications. The wall was built at the end of the city's existence as a defensive means against the attacks of nomadic peoples from the north, which were very common at that time.
Here you can not only get acquainted with the Temple of Frescoes and the pyramid of El Castillo, covered with elegant stone carvings, but also enjoy magnificent views of the ruins of the city against the backdrop of the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.This archaeological zone ranks first among tourists in terms of attendance in the province of Quintana Rú and third in the whole country after Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan. Therefore, we recommend visiting it in the first hours after opening.
How to get there: Tulum is located 180 km from Cancun and only 60 km from the "capital" of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. From Cancun Airport, ADO buses leave 3 times a day for Tulum, and from there you can take a taxi to the archaeological area, the journey takes 2 hours. From resort town Playa del Carmen in Tulum can be reached by bus or collective (local minibus) in an hour.
USHMAL
Ruins of once huge city Maya of Uxmal are characterized by the splendor of architecture and are on a par with Chichen Itza and Tikal. This archaeological zone is relatively close to Chichen Itza and the city of Merida. The complex is spread over an area of 150 hectares.
Of interest is the inspection of the Pyramid of the Magician, which is unconventional in its design, the Monastery Square, the Great Pyramid and the "dovecote". The ruins of Uxmalae are characterized by a distinctive ornamental finish compared to the rest of the Maya ruins. Everywhere you can see well-preserved columns, complex ornamental patterns, figurines of birds and animals, and decorative elements. From the top of the Great Pyramid, a panoramic view of Uxmal and the lush jungle surrounding it opens up.
How to get there: From Merida to Uxmal can be reached by bus departing from the central bus station. Travel time 1 hour 10 minutes. The bus stops right next to the entrance to the complex.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because in most cases you will be walking through the jungle, in the interweaving of roots and vines, and you will also have to climb the stairs of the pyramids.
- In our ranking, we mentioned the possibility of getting to the ruins on our own, but we recommend the first time you visit mayan ruins do it with a guide, because he will tell interesting things about these archaeological sites, often not listed in guidebooks.
- Use mosquito repellents while being in the jungle.
- Do not forget sunscreen with good protection, after all, a walk in open areas, especially in Chichen Itza or Tulum, threatens to burn.
About 120 kilometers southeast of the city of Merida are the ruins of the ancient city of Chichen Itza. This is the most famous archaeological site of the Mayan period and the state of Yucatan.
We continue the series of stories about the pyramids of the world from LifeGlobe. Last time we talked about underwater pyramids Yonaguni Island, now came through the story of the great city of the Maya Indians, their culture and buildings.
Contrary to popular belief, the Maya were not an empire - they were a group of autonomous cities, often interacting with other states in the region. Chichen Itza and many other important Mayan cities were built in accordance with the sacred beliefs of the Indians - the cities were built, reflecting the position of various astronomical objects in the night sky
So who built this one? ancient city and his pyramids? Maya were ancient civilization southern Mexico and other South American countries - Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador. In our time, about 6 million descendants of the Maya live here, speaking many different dialects.
The Mayan people were very well versed in astronomy, during the first millennium of our era they studied in detail and mapped the movement of the sun, moon, as well as other planets and stars. This was the basis of their religion and mythology, explaining the past, present and future. The Maya also invented a brilliant mathematical system, a writing system, and a combination of three precise interconnected calendars.
In addition to the city of Chichen Itza, the Mayans are also famous for a number of other temple cities, such as Palenque, Uxmal, Copan, etc. Many of these cities have been restored by archaeologists, while some remain underground and await their turn. It is also worth noting that the Maya could navigate long distances across the ocean by developing a sophisticated method of navigating the stars.
Let us turn specifically to the history of the construction of the city of Chichen Itza. The Proto-Mayans inhabited the flat plateau of the Yucatan Peninsula for 8,000 years. Archaeologists believe that this place has been an important place of pilgrimage for thousands of years.
Chichen Itza became the capital and social center of the Maya in the eighth century. First, the coastal territories of the Yucatan were settled, then the settlements spread over the entire peninsula. Thanks to two great sources clean water, not drying out throughout the year, Chichen Itza became the most powerful city of the Maya
In the 10th century, the city was captured by the Toltecs, making Chichen Itza the capital of the Toltec state, but was later recaptured by a united army of three Mayan cities. After the 12th century, the Yucatán mysteriously became empty, as the Spanish conquerors destroyed Mayan manuscripts and clerics. By the time of the Spanish conquests in the 16th century, Chichen Itza was a complete ruin
As a result of excavations on the territory of the city, many architectural monuments were discovered, in particular, the famous pyramids of Chichen Itza. The most prominent among them is the Temple of Kukulkan - a pyramid of 9 steps 24 meters high. It is surprising that on the days of the autumn and spring equinoxes, the rays of the sun illuminate the stairs of the pyramid in such a way that they form an image of seven isosceles triangles, which, in turn, make up the body of a 37-meter snake, crawling as the sun moves towards its head, carved in stone at the base. stairs
On small pyramid of the 4 steps is the Temple of the Chichen Itza warriors, adjacent to it is the Temple of the Jaguars and the Mayan observatory called Caracol. Surprisingly, the Mayans played football. Naturally, not in the form in which it is customary to play this game now, but nevertheless, during the excavations, 7 large ball fields were discovered. The length of the large field was 135 meters
We also managed to save the statues of the gods, with a very interesting detail and style of execution, a lot of handicraft items and various utensils. A sacred well 50 meters deep has also been preserved, probably used for sacrifices.
In our time, the Mexican government bought a plot of land of 83 hectares, on which the city of Chichen Itza is located, in order to preserve it. This is one of the main attractions of Mexico, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In 2007, the city was recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world.
The Aztecs also had similar cities in Mexico, for example, the city of Teotihuacan, which looks no less majestic.
Step pyramids are an important part of the architecture of the peoples who once inhabited the territory of Mexico. The pyramids of Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Uxmal are the most popular among tourists. It is they who usually come to mind when mentioning the Mexican pyramids. But there are much more ancient pyramidal structures on the territory of this country. Their creation in different time different peoples were engaged, and, of course, they all differ from each other.
El Tajin arose during the heyday of the pre-Columbian culture of Veracruz on the coast Gulf of Mexico near the current city of Poza Rica. On the territory of more than a thousand hectares there are multi-tiered pyramids, ball courts, statues depicting gods, dwellings of priests and Indian leaders. The heyday of the City of Thunder, as its name is translated from the Totonac language, fell on the 9th-12th centuries. Then it occupied an area of more than 10 square kilometers, and its population was several thousand people.
In the center of the city there is a palace and temple complex, most of the buildings of which were erected in the period from 600 to 900 AD. e. The pyramid of El Tahin or the pyramid of Nish is dedicated to the supreme thunder god Tahin, the patron of rain. The seven-tier structure, the height of which reaches 25 m, is decorated with deep niches running along the ledges.
At the base of the pyramid is a square with a side of 35 meters. All seven tiers of the pyramid have square niches, painted red on the inside and decorated with reliefs depicting snakes. There are 365 such niches. On the eastern slope there is a staircase decorated with mosaics and numbering 364 steps.
The city was destroyed at the beginning of the 13th century. The fire, as scientists suggest, forced the inhabitants of the city to leave it. Until the end of the eighteenth century, Europeans did not know about the existence of El Tahin. Only in 1875 was the pyramid of Nis accidentally discovered.
2 Tula
Tula is the ancient capital of the Toltecs, one of the main pre-Columbian cultures of Mesoamerica. It is usually identified with mythical city Tollan. Tula is located 65 km northwest of Mexico City on the banks of the river of the same name.
The most famous of the surviving structures is the Pyramid of the Morning Star, on the platform of which stands a group of five-meter stone sculptures of warriors that once supported the roof of the temple. Standing at the entrance large statues snake.
In the XIII century Tula was destroyed. Huge figures of warriors at the foot of the pyramid were ritually buried and thanks to this they have survived to this day.
3 Zintsuntsan
The city of Tsintsuntsan was founded in the 13th century by the Purepecha people. In the same century, it became the capital of a state known among historians as Tarasco. The area of the city was about 7 km². Ancient Tsintsuntsan is located on a slope, slightly higher than the modern city.
The ritual building of the Purépecha people was a platform consisting of 10 steps ( overall height 13 m). On the platform stood five funerary pyramids with 12 steps.
The Spaniards, who arrived in Tsintsuntsan in 1529, burned alive the ruler of Tangahuan II and destroyed the city in order to use its stones to build Catholic cathedrals and houses for the Spanish administration. But the pyramids are partially preserved.
4 Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is an abandoned city located 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City in the municipality of San Juan Teotihuacan. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are among the most famous Mexican pyramids. They are often called the Aztec pyramids, although this is not the case.
Very little is known about Teotihuacan. It was abandoned 700 years before the Aztecs arrived there in the 15th century and gave it its name. The first settlements were founded in these places in the 5th century BC, and in the 5th century AD, Teotihuacan was the largest city Central America. Modern researchers It is believed that the area of this ancient settlement was 26-28 sq. km, and the population is about 200 thousand people.
One of the main and oldest buildings of Teotihuacan is the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest building in the city of Teotihuacan and one of the largest in Mesoamerica. It is located on the Road of the Dead between the Pyramid of the Moon and the Citadel in the shadow of the massive mountain Cerro Gordo and is part of a large temple complex.
The pyramid is a 5-tier structure with a flat top, on which a small temple once stood. The height of the pyramid is almost 64.5 meters, the length of the sides of the base is 211, 207, 217 and 209 meters, the total volume is 993 thousand cubic meters. The Pyramid of the Sun is made of cobblestone, clay and earth, lined with stone. Probably the orientation of the pyramid has some anthropological significance. It is oriented with a slope to the northwest to the point of sunset on the horizon, when twice a year - August 12 and April 29 - the calendar year of Teotihuacans was predetermined.
At northern end Roads of the Dead is the Pyramid of the Moon - almost an exact, but reduced by a third copy of the Pyramid of the Sun. Its height is 42 m, the base is -150 by 130 m. But due to the features of the relief, the tops of the pyramids are located on the same level.
5 Xochicalco
Xochicalco is an ancient pre-Columbian settlement in the western part Mexican state Morelos, located 25 km south of the city of Cuernavaca and 85 km south of Mexico City.
The main ceremonial center and residential buildings ( most of which have not been excavated) are located on long terraces on the slopes of an artificially leveled hill. The settlement was first founded in 200 BC. e., but developed into an urban center only by the period 700 - 900 AD. e. Almost all the surviving buildings were built during this period.
On the territory of the settlement there is now the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, temples in the form of terraced pyramids, palaces, three fields for playing ball, steam rooms, unusual row round altars and a cave with carved steps.
6 Cholula
Cholula is a city located in the Mexican state of Puebla. In Cholula there is a Toltec pyramid, also known as Tlachihualtepetl. This is the largest pyramid in Mexico, and in general in the world. Its base is 440 m long and 77 m high.
The ancient pyramid is hidden under a layer of clay, making it look more like a natural mountain than ancient place worship. A church was built on top of this hill by the Spaniards. of the Blessed Virgin Comforters.
Most of the Cholula Pyramid is built of unbaked bricks. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, archaeologists unearthed and restored one side of the pyramid, which was lined with stone. Moreover, there are often inserts from well-crafted granite blocks with an ornament applied to them. Archaeologists also discovered tunnels penetrating the pyramid in various planes. Some of them are open to visitors.
7 Monte Alban
Monte Alban is a large pre-Columbian settlement in southeastern Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca. It is located on a low mountain range that runs through the central part of the Oaxaca Valley.
The foundation of Monte Alban dates back to approximately the 4th century BC. e. At the time of its heyday (200-700 AD), the city occupied an area of 40 square meters. km, and its population exceeded 20 thousand people. On the artificially leveled giant area on the top of the hill, step pyramids still rise today. On the slopes descending in terraces, the remains of palaces, steles with inscriptions, a stone staircase 40 m wide and other structures have been preserved. The walls of the buildings were decorated with mosaics, frescoes and reliefs.
chief god local residents was the rain god Koshiho. It was dedicated to him main pyramid city, crowning the top of the hill.
8 Palenque
Palenque is the largest ruins of an ancient Mayan city located in the northeast of the Mexican state of Chiapas. More than a thousand buildings have been discovered here, only a part of them have been studied in detail and restored.
The Spaniards named the city after Palenque, in Mayan times it was called Lakam-ha - “ big water". Originating around 100 AD. e., the settlement reached its peak in the period from 630 to 740 years. After 900, Palenque was deserted. The surrounding area is known for the highest rainfall in Mexico, due to which the city gradually disappeared behind dense tropical thickets and fell into oblivion until 1746, when the Spaniards discovered it.
In the center of the settlement, on a ten-meter platform, rises the palace, which served as the residence of local rulers. This is a majestic building with an area of 104 × 80 m, consisting of galleries, stairs, intricate labyrinths of underground passages and many rooms with exits to four courtyards.
To the southeast of the palace is the Palenque triad, which includes the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Leafy Cross. All these names are given religious buildings, thanks to the motifs prevailing in the painting of their walls and altars.
Also in close proximity to the palace is the Temple of the Inscriptions. Exactly this high building complex, the height of its pyramid is 23 m, and to get to its top you need to overcome 69 steps.
9 Comalcalco
Comalcalco is a former Mayan city located about 60 km northeast of the city of Villahermosa in the Mexican state of Tabasco.
Comalcalco is the westernmost of the Mayan temples. Due to the lack of limestone, the buildings in this city were built of baked bricks, which were held together with lime mortar from crushed oyster shells.
The buildings are mostly from the Late Classic period, 700-900 BC. n. e. Many bricks are decorated with images. Most famous buildings: north square, pyramids "great acropolis" and "eastern acropolis".
10 Calakmul
Calakmul - in the past mighty city Maya, the capital of the Canul kingdom. Located in the Mexican state of Campeche, deep in the jungle of the Peténian Basin region. The heyday of Calakmul falls between 200 and 700 AD. e.
In 1931, Calakmul was discovered by the American Cyrus Lundell. Calakmul occupied an area of approximately 30 km² and consisted of more than 100 large buildings, and a total of about 5000 buildings. Two pyramids dominate among the structures, which are commonly called "Structure I" and "Structure II" 45 m high. The largest pyramid has a side length of 140 m.
11 Etzna
Etzna is a Mayan archaeological site in the northern Mexican state of Campeche. The city was inhabited already in 400 BC. e., and was abandoned around 1500 AD. e. In the late classical period, Etsna was part of the state of Calakmul. The city was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century.
The classical period of the existence of Etsna fell, as elsewhere in the Yucatan, in 600-900 AD. It was then that the most significant architectural monuments of this city. Among them - main temple standing on a pyramidal base forty meters high.
The city was in a swamp. The Indians did a great job of draining the area, building a complex and extensive system canals and reservoirs.
12 Uxmal
Uxmal - Big City Maya in the northwest of the Yucatan Peninsula, 68 km south of the city Merida.
Uxmal was settled in the 8th century BC. e., at the peak of power (about 800-900 AD) had about 25,000 inhabitants. It was during this period that most of the surviving monuments were built. But prosperity did not last long. When the Toltecs took control of the Yucatan Peninsula at the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries, construction in Uxmal ceased, and the city began to decline. And shortly before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, it was finally abandoned.
The Pyramid of the Magus is the highest monument (35 m) and the main attraction of the Uxmal archaeological complex. It is also called the Dwarf's Pyramid. Both names come from the legend of the magical dwarf. Hatching from an egg, he became an adult in one day and built this pyramid in one night. In fact, archaeological excavations show that the Pyramid of the Magus was built as a result of five stages of construction on top of previously built pyramids. Starting in the 6th century, it regularly increased its height until the 10th century.
13 Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza - political and Cultural Center Maya in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Located 120 km east of the city of Merida.
The city of Chichen Itza was probably founded around 455. It can be conditionally divided into two groups. The first includes buildings dating from the 6th-7th centuries. n. e. and related to the period of the Mayan culture. The second group of buildings belongs to the Toltec period of the X-XI centuries. n. e.
The city was captured by the Toltecs in the 10th century. In the middle of the XI century, Chichen Itza became the capital of the Toltec state. In 1178 it was defeated by the combined army of three city-states - Mayapan, Ushmal and Itzmal. By the time of the Spanish conquests, Chichen Itza was a ruin.
El Castillo (aka the Pyramid of Kukulkan) was the main structure of the city. The square base pyramid has nine steps. Four staircases, bordered by a balustrade, lead to the top, which begin on the ground floor in the form of a slightly raised snake head and continue their way like a snake body to the upper floor. Each staircase consists of 91 steps, and if the number of steps is multiplied by the number of stairs, then 364 steps will be obtained and the 365th step of the top of the pyramid symbolizes the last day of the past year. At the top is a temple, the entrance to which, decorated with columns in the form of snake bodies, is located on the north side.
To the east of El Castillo is another famous structure of Chichen Itza: the Temple of the Warriors. It consists of four platforms, surrounded on three sides by round and square columns. The square columns are carved in the shape of Toltec warriors. During the restoration, some of the columns were restored and put in their original place. At the top of the Temple of the Warriors is a sculpture of Chaak-Mool in the form of a reclining man.
The observatory is another famous landmark of Chichen Itza. The Spanish word El Caracol means " spiral staircase(she is inside). Through holes in the walls of the tower, Mayan astronomers observed the movements of Venus, the Sun, the Moon and other celestial bodies, calculated spring and autumn days equinox, summer solstice. Maya astronomical skills helped to predict even solar eclipses.
Cacti, tequila, sombrero and of course with mayan pyramids.
Unlike the pyramids in Egypt, the pyramids in Mexico were not used as the tomb of the rulers, but for religious rituals and sacrifices.
It is assumed that the first to build pyramids was the mistletoe civilization, and later the Mayan tribes. The secrets of the pyramids of Mexico have not yet been solved; they attract many tourists with their energy, history and legends. So, the Mayan Indians predicted the end of the world for us on 12/12/12, which we successfully survived.
There are a lot of pyramids in Mexico and the ancient cities of the Maya, Aztecs, Toltecs and other tribes, more than a thousand. But not all of them are available for visiting, many pyramids are lost in the impenetrable jungle, in many restoration work is just beginning. But do not try to visit even all the pyramids available for visiting in Mexico. Today I will talk about the most popular and visited pyramids and ancient cities in Mexico, and you already decide which of them to visit and which not.
Teotihuacan
The ancient city is located 40 km from the capital of Mexico -. It is still not known who built this city, but the very name Teotihuacan, which means “City of the Gods”, was given to the city by the Aztecs. Teotihuacan was built in the 2nd century AD, and peaked in 450-600 years, when about 200 thousand people lived in it. There are three pyramids in Teotihuacan. One of them - pyramid of the sun- the third highest pyramid in the world, you can climb to the top of this pyramid and feel the extraordinary energy of this place. Just as interesting moon pyramid, which most likely served as a place of sacrifice.
Cholula
Pyramid of Cholula- the most large pyramid in the world, located in Mexico, 15 km from the city of Puebla and 130 km from. The pyramid was built during the time of the Toltecs. And now it is a high hill, on top of which the Spaniards built a church in the 17th century.
In the city of Tula ancient capital Toltec, which is located 90 km north of Mexico City, the remains of Pyramids of the Morning Star- Pyramids on which the figures of warriors stand.
Chichen Itza
The Yucatan Peninsula is full of ancient cities maya and interesting pyramids. The most visited ancient Mayan city in the Yucatan .
It is located 205 km from popular resort, you can quickly reach it by. The city of Chichen Itza was founded in the 6th century by the Maya Indians. Located on the territory Pyramid of Kukulkan(or Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent) with a temple at the top, which served as a place of sacrifice. It is here that believers and curious tourists come on the days of the equinox to look at a natural phenomenon when the sun illuminates the pyramid so that it seems that it is running along it, a serpent descends.
Tulum
The second most visited by tourists in the Yucatan is the ancient city. Although the pyramids themselves and the ancient city of Tulum are not as well preserved as Chichen Itza, they attract tourists with their beautiful scenery, because Tulum is located on a cliff from which opens great view on the azure Caribbean Sea, and below, in the bay, there is a beach on which it is so pleasant to swim after walking through the ruins of Tulum. Tulum is the only Mayan city built on the seashore and serving as a port.
Koba
In 40 km of Tulum there is another Mayan city visited by tourists - Koba. Here is located " great pyramid” or Nooch Mull, 42 m high, which is even allowed to climb!
Uxmal
Another Mayan city built in the 6th century, .
Uxmal is located 382 km from Cancun, from the airport in Merida to Uxmal 82 km. Located on the territory of the city Pyramid of the Wizard (or Pyramid of the Magician)- a pyramid of unusual shape, the base of which has the shape of an ellipse. There is a legend that a wizard built this pyramid in just one night. Unfortunately, the Pyramid of the Wizard is now impossible to climb. But in Uxmal there is another pyramid - Great Pyramid
, here you can climb it and inspect the entire ancient city from a height.
Palenque
An ancient city hid in the jungles of the state of Chiapas. This city is famous for the fact that the sarcophagus of the ruler Pakal was found here, which is now stored in archaeological museums in Mexico City. Sarcophagus found in Temple of the Inscriptions- this is one of the few pyramids in Mexico, which was built for the burial of the ruler. The territory of Palenque is large, located in the jungle, along with the ruins and pyramids there is a small waterfall, and you can also see many exotic birds, iguanas, and even monkeys.
The ancient Mayan civilization left a rich legacy of mysteries and predictions. famous calendar ancient tribe strikes with the monumentality of knowledge of world researchers and scientists. Unique precision and deep meaning buildings of ancient cities defies explanation to this day. The heritage of ancient eras is under strict protection to preserve the legendary heritage from destruction.
Mayan pyramids are recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world. Many buildings are hidden under a layer of earth and tropical vegetation. Some buildings are distinguished by their unusual structure and multi-layeredness. The most ancient buildings are located inside the later superstructures. The dual structure can be represented by a combination of the creations of the Mayan and Aztec peoples.
Ancient cities and the secrets of building pyramids
Mayan pyramids are located in several cities, representing the most significant and outstanding buildings. The capital of the Aztecs, the ancient city of Teotihuacan, is notable for two large buildings that have survived to this day. The construction of structures is dedicated heavenly bodies: Sun and Moon. The third building - the temple of the god Quetzalcoatl, is dedicated to a bright and good beginning.
The location of the objects fully corresponds to the placement of stars in the constellation of Orion, which confirms astronomical knowledge ancient people. The Pyramid of the Sun reaches 65 meters in height. The structure dedicated to the Moon is more moderate in size and corresponds to a mark of 42 meters. Architectural perfection was created without the use of special tools in the heart of the jungle.
Pyramid of the Sun
The largest pyramid in the world was located in the city of Cholula. The volume of the building exceeded even famous pyramid Cheops. Only its geometric outlines have been preserved, which at the moment is a high hill. At the top is located old church. The exact dates of the construction of the pyramids cannot be established. The approximate age of the buildings reaches 3000 years. Dimensions stone buildings located in different countries differ, which remains a mystery.
The city of Chichen Itza has preserved residential buildings of people and religious buildings. Located in the city unique pyramid Kukulkan. The unusual stepped architecture distinguishes this Mayan building from the ancient Egyptian geometry of the pyramids. Construction continued over the years, with subsequent elements completed every 52 years.
Kukulkan is the embodiment of the ancient calendar and consists of nine huge platforms. Four stairs leading to the top are a symbol of the cardinal points. The Mayan calendar has 18 months, so each staircase has the same number of flights. In total, there are 364 steps on four sides of 91.
Secrets of the Mayan pyramids
Main Feature The construction of Kukulkan, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, is played by an intricate play of refraction of the sun's rays. An image of a vicious snake with its mouth open appears on the steps. The unique spectacle takes place for three hours, allowing you to watch the movement of the illusion, sliding from the bottom up. The calculation of the design is simply amazing, because the slightest deviation could destroy the amazing idea.
The pyramids located in the city of Chichen Itza have unusual acoustic properties. Inside the building, the sounds of the sacred bird of the tribe can be heard, instead of the usual footsteps. Scientists say that this effect is achieved due to a certain thickness of the walls. The area between the temples allows you to hear speech and communicate at a distance of 150 meters, completely hiding sounds from people standing nearby.
There is a well on the outskirts of the city. natural origin. The diameter is quite impressive and corresponds to a mark of 60 meters, the depth remains a mystery to this day. ancient heritage Maya is distinguished by skillful decorative elements that adorn palaces, temples, pyramids and observatories.
The types of pyramid structures can be conditionally divided into two main types. The first option involved climbing to the top of the building for sacrificial rituals. The second view did not imply the possibility of even touching, emphasizing the sanctity of the building. The doorways had no specific purpose and led to nowhere, the steps were different overall dimensions. Ceremonies in such structures were performed by the kings of the tribe, who were considered the descendants of the gods.
A huge number of legends are associated with the construction of the Mayan pyramids, which surround the buildings with secrets and mysteries. The structures acted as tombs, calendars and observatories. A variety of geometric schemes of buildings implied the performance of certain rituals and appointments. An amazing combination of style, religion, original forms and precise calculations strikes the level of intelligence of the ancient civilization.
