The pyramids of the American Mayan and Aztec tribes are the most famous and mysterious. Mayan pyramids: a unique heritage of ancient civilizations

The most famous civilizations ancient America that every educated person has heard of are the Maya, the Incas, and the Aztecs. These peoples inhabited the territories of central Mexico (Aztecs), southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, the western part of Honduras (Maya) and the west of South (Inca). grandiose architectural structures these ancient civilizations have survived to our times. The most famous of them are the pyramids of the American Maya and Aztec tribes. The Incas, according to scientists, did not build pyramids, although they were able to build structures of quite impressive size (such as the Sacsayhuaman fortress).

The Mayans and Aztecs inhabited the Americas in different time. The Mayan civilization flourished in the 7th - 8th centuries, and the Aztecs - in the 14th - 15th centuries. But both of these peoples were distinguished by a high level of development. They were building big cities, used writing, shipping was developed. The calendars of those times surprise with their accuracy. Special place the Mayan and Aztec peoples were occupied by religion. No wonder the pyramids that they erected were used for various religious rites.

The exact age of the Mayan pyramids is unknown. These structures are made of roughly hewn stones, which are fastened with a fairly strong mortar.

The slopes of the pyramids are steps, i.e. they were built in stages - on each platform the next, smaller area was erected. This process was quite lengthy.

One of the most famous pyramids Kukulkan, named after the main god in the mythologies of the Mayan and Toltec tribes, who was depicted as a snake with a human head. It is located in the ancient city of Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula). This structure is 25 meters high and has 9 platforms. The number 9 is not accidental, it symbolizes the realm of the dead. The temple crowns the pyramid. There are wide staircases on four sides, each of them has 91 steps, in total - 364, which corresponds to the number of days in a year. The stairs themselves are divided into 18 spans - in the calendar of the Mayan tribes, there were just such a number of months. The pyramid of Kukulkan has four sides clearly facing south, north, west and east.

This pyramid is very popular with tourists. The thing is that twice a year on its surface you can observe very unusual phenomenon. On the equinoxes at 17:00 on north side pyramid begins to appear a huge image of a snake, becoming more and more clear. This effect is achieved by sunlight, and the illusion lasts for about 3 hours.

In the city of Chichen Itza, another pyramid was built, the base of which has dimensions of 40 x 40 meters.

Another famous structure of the Mayan tribes - . It is located on the territory of the ancient city of Palenca, in Guatemala. The pyramid got its name because of the huge number of different drawings and hieroglyphs. Scientists are still trying to unravel the meaning of these inscriptions. Only in this pyramid was a tomb with a sarcophagus discovered, the surface of which was also covered with drawings and inscriptions. Prior to this discovery, it was believed that the Maya did not use pyramids for burial. In the sarcophagus were found the remains of a man who, apparently, occupied high position in society.

On the Yucatan Peninsula there is another ancient city - Uxmal. It is there that the famous . This is one of the most impressive buildings that we have inherited from the Mayan tribes. The pyramid is 38 m high and has a flat top. Her corners are rounded. This building has been built over many years. Archaeological research showed that construction lasted from the sixth to the tenth centuries. Inside the pyramid there are 5 temples - according to the number of stages of construction.

The most famous Aztec pyramids

Perhaps the most impressive structure of the Aztecs - pyramid of the sun, located on the site of the ancient city of Teotihuacan, not far from modern Mexico City. It ranks third in the world among ancient structures, only passing ahead of the pyramid of Cholula, from the time of the Toltecs, and the pyramid of Cheops, which is located in Egypt, near Cairo.

The Pyramid of the Sun used to rise up to 71 m (currently - 64.5 m), and the perimeter of the base of this grandiose structure is 893 m. It took about 3 million tons of stones to build it. 300 years after the pyramid was built, a temple was placed on its top, which was destroyed even before the discovery of the city of Teotihuacan by the Spanish conquerors. Currently, many tourists visit the Pyramid of the Sun. To climb to the very top, you have to overcome the most difficult climb of 248 steps, which are distinguished by their steepness. But despite all the difficulties, there are many who want to climb to the very top. After all, if you believe the legends, it is there that the so-called “place of power” is located. Thanks to positive energy flows, a person can find harmony and peace of mind.

In the north of Teotihuacan is . This is smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun - its height is 42 m. This five-tiered pyramid is located on a small hill. A fairly wide staircase leads to the top - it is a continuation of the path, which was called the Road of the Dead. When conducting archaeological sites in the pyramid of the moon, many remains and burials were discovered. Presumably, various rituals were performed on top of this structure.

The Citadel is located in Teotihuacan, a square that got its name from the Spaniards. It is here that the Temple of the Feathered Serpent is located - a building built in the form of a pyramid. Its walls were decorated with stone ornaments, which were the heads of feathered snakes - from the western part they are well preserved to this day. Within the walls of this temple were found the remains of animals that were sacrificed during rituals.

The pyramids of the American Mayan and Aztec tribes have not yet been fully studied. The mysteries associated with these structures will attract scientists from all over the world for a long time to come.

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 structure exceeded even the famous pyramid of Cheops. Only its geometric outlines have been preserved, which are this 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.

Address: Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

By December 2012, the whole world began to go crazy. On all TV channels, in all newspapers and on the Internet, there was only one piece of news - Mayan calendar it will be the end of the world. Fortunately, nothing happened. Of course, many cataclysms occur on earth, but humanity exists, and this is the main thing.

And what about Maya, were they mistaken or did they mean something else? You and I will never be able to answer this question, but I do not believe that such an enlightened people could make a mistake. Yes, yes, enlightened. Do not be surprised, but the Mayan tribe had a more accurate calendar than you and I. They were outstanding astrologers and astronomers, healers and builders. And if you and I can only speculate about their civilization, then we can speak freely about construction and astrology, because on earth, in Mexico, there are structures that confirm the incredible amount of knowledge that was available to the Mayan tribe. I mean mayan pyramids .

It is very difficult to say exactly how old these pyramids are, but scientists have found that the age of these structures is approximately 3,000 years. They differ from the pyramids in Egypt both externally and in purpose. The Egyptian pyramids served as tombs, and mayan pyramids were temples. They were even built long enough, even for such a structure. One platform was installed one on top of the other every 52 years. Maya died every 52 years old world and a new one was born.

pyramids were built so that the shade from the sun or Moonlight showed people the beginning and end of a certain period of time of the year. The beginning of sowing or the approach of the dry season, the beginning of the rains or the approach of a cold snap. The level of development gradually reached its climax and the Maya built more and more amazing pyramids.

Pyramid of Kukulkan served as a simple calendar for us. The number of its blocks and sites is equal to all calendar units. The location of Kukulkany is such that its four corners point strictly to four parts of the world: west, east, north and south. The shadow from this pyramid, falling on the stones, creates an incredible and almost living illusion. In mid-March, this is an image of a feathered snake crawling up, and at the end of September, the picture begins to creep down. It is difficult to see this optical illusion, because it lasts only three hours.

At Pyramids of Kukulkan there is another mystery. When you climb the stone steps of this hulk, then with each step there is a sound of raindrops falling into a vat of water. Scientists have been struggling with this riddle for a long time and came to the conclusion that the structure of the pyramid has nothing to do with it, this sound is achieved solely because of the cunning processing of the steps, because of their configuration. The same effect exists in the pyramid of the Moon. And this is not surprising, because the rain for the Maya was not only vital, but also revered on a par with the gods.

Thousands and thousands of tourists visit mayan pyramids, and many scientists have puzzled and puzzled over the mysteries of this unique civilization that has sunk into oblivion. Who knows how many more mysteries these amazing and unlike temples keep in themselves.

Palenque, a Mayan city in the state of Chiapas.

Unique pyramids in mexico are a true architectural marvel. They are big, majestic and very beautiful. Millions of travelers from different corners of the world come to America only for one thing - to see the legendary buildings that were built hundreds and even thousands of years ago. Mexico also attracts our compatriots, anyone can order what they are interested in sightseeing tour right now.

Palenque is an ancient Mayan city, its inspection is included in the 5-day itinerary.

Top facts about the pyramids

WITH Mexican pyramids associated with many legends. Often, architectural structures did not serve as tombs and tombs of local rulers, but served as a place where the most important religious rites were held. Here, on the altar, large sacrifices were often made, in which not only animals, but also people became victims.

The first to build such structures were the mistletoe tribes - representatives of the first major civilization in the territory ancient mexico. Giant heads and jadeite masks were designed by them. Later, only a couple of centuries later, the era of the dawn of the Mayan civilization began. Some bright masterpieces ancient architecture survived to our time. Popular among tourists are majestic abandoned cities. Architectural style mayan pyramids practically has no analogues.

Tulum - seaport Mayan.

Famous scientists tried to unravel the secrets of the ancient inhabitants of the modern Central America. It has not been possible to do this completely. Travelers listen with delight to various amazing legends.
Where are the Mayan pyramids in Mexico? Throughout the country there are several hundred such buildings, but only a few of them can be touched by everyone. Some cultural monuments are still hidden in dense jungle.

Most Popular Pyramids

• Teotikuan

This ancient "City of the Gods" (this is how the word "Teotikuan" is translated) can really be found 50 kilometers from largest metropolis in Mexico City. The first stones were laid around the beginning of the first millennium. Already in the 5th century AD, more than 200,000 people lived here. chief cultural monument The settlement is considered to be the Pyramid of the Sun. This name was invented by the Aztecs, who saw the abandoned city in the XIII century. They believed that here the gods fed on the energy of the cosmos. Travelers have a unique opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful view. This pyramid is the third highest in the world. Anyone can climb to its top.

• Chichen Itza

Pyramids in the Yucatan are also very popular with tourists. Ancient city Chichen Itza is located about 200 kilometers from the resort of Cancun. This village was founded in the 6th century, and after a while it became a real cultural and political center. Before the eyes of tourists, several architectural monuments that were found as a result of archaeological excavations. This city included in the list of new seven wonders of the world. the most famous pyramid in Yucatan is considered the temple building of Kulkan, the height of the building is 24 meters, at the top is located special place for various rituals. In ancient times, the building also served as a calendar.

The descent of the serpent's shadow at Chichen Itza is only visible on the equinoxes.

Features of the best excursion programs

Mexico - This amazing edge where while traveling on Yucatan or to another region of the country, you will see how pyramids, and enjoy the unique local culture. The following tourist routes are very popular:

1. Mexico City and Teotihuacan Pyramids.

During the tour, you will visit the multi-million dollar capital of Mexico, and then go to archaeological zone Teotihuacan. For those who come to Mexico City for just a couple of days, this is an ideal option. The whole program will take only 8 hours.

1. "Bold Tour" in Mexico.

The duration of this adventure is two days. Tourists will enjoy the ancient city of Chichen Itza, observe the life of animals in biosphere reserve Rio Lagartos, visit the colonial city of Merida and swim in the cool waters of Ik-Kil.

1. Joint Program Chichen Itza.

This tour allows tourists to see the ancient cities Mayan, find out what Mexico from the inside, as well as see the most popular attractions. You will visit the most Famous places on the Yucatan Peninsula. Among them are Chichen Itza, the lost village of Kobu, the port of Tulum and underground lake Ik Keel. This trip only takes one day!

Useful information for tourists

You can book your favorite tour at any convenient time. Be sure to come to Mexico and visit our pyramids. You can ask any questions you are interested in and clarify all necessary information Online. Excursions are held weekly, book a place and go to meet amazing adventures!

Friends! If you have any questions - !do not hesitate! - ask them in the comments below or write to me on social networks!