Kukulkana: The right part of the pyramid is renovated, left - did not restored Karakol - ancient observatory
Chichen-Itsa is the city of Maya civilization well preserved with antiquity, built in accordance with the religious ideas of this people. You can immediately say that all the Mayan cities were erected taking into account the provisions of the heavenly shining and stars.
Once the city of Chichen-Itsa was the center of culture of several Indian peoples. The name of it is translated as "the place of the well of the ICA tribe." Chichen Itza left her trail in the city of Chichen Itza, Toltec, Iza.
Now this city in Mexico is the object of the World cultural heritage UNESCO.
Where is Chichen Itsa?
This seventh miracle of light in the north of Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is located. The ancient city of Chichen Itza was removed 205 kilometers from the famous Cancun resort and 120 kilometers from Merida. Not far from him (1.5 kilometers) is a small town of Pisthe.
The popularity of the ancient city
Chichen Itza is one of the most popular seats On Yucatan and Mexico as a whole. It is in second place in attendance among the ancient cities, it is ahead of only theotihuacan ().
According to estimates, the number of tourists who attend this archaeological complex exceeds a million per year. The huge influx was observed here in December 2012, because at that time the Mayan calendar was supposed to end. Many people wanted to spend the end of the world in the Archaeological Complex of Chichen Itsa.
Currently, in Chichen Iza, you can come with an excursion for 1 day both from Cancun and from Merida.
History of the city
The beginning of the history of the city dates back to the 6th century of our era. Then it was one of major cities Mayan civilization. The southern part of the ancient city is built in accordance with the traditions of the Maya people.
In the 10th century, Tolteches were dominated in the city after capture, which arrived here from Central Mexico. In the future, about a half of the 11th century, Chichen Itza becomes the capital and the center of the Toltec state.
Bloody sacrifices began here because of this nation. The whole northern part of the city indicates their presence. After a century, the city is broken by a huge army, which includes the warriors of the three states - Ushmal, Mayan, Izmal.
Chichen-Itsa was defeated by the ruler of Hunak Keel. In the future, the city was empty and turned into ruins (such a Europeans discovered).
Many treasures were stolen by the Spaniards, and manuscripts were destroyed.
Therefore, we can say about the story quite a bit, but it is assumed that if it were not for the actions of Europeans, archaeologists could detect many unique finds. In 1923, archaeological excavations began in Mexico, and now about 6 square kilometers of an ancient city is on the surface.
Pyramid Cukulkan in the city of Chichen Itsa
The very first building that is strongly thrown into the eyes is a huge pyramid of Cukulkana. She is a center in Chichen Itsa. In Spanish, she is referred to as El Castillo, that is, the "castle".
The overall height of the Cukulkana pyramid is 24 meters. The pyramid has nine tiers, and the temple is located on the highest.
Cukulkana, as well as every pyramid has 4 faces that are directed at 4 sides of the world. And for each of the sides, the wide staircase leads to the top, which the snake heads are decorated at the bottom.
The track leads to the main northern staircase of the pyramid. To go upstairs, a certain number of steps should be overcome - they are 91.
Initially, that the total number of steps on the pyramid, including the upper platform, is 365, that is, a smooth number of days a year.
Such a coincidence pursues that this pyramid may have a certain attitude towards the calendar or it matters in an astronomical plan.
At the very top there is a temple where sacrifices were committed in ancient times.
As studies have shown, big pyramid was built on top of even more ancient pyramidwhich leads a hole in the semi of the sanctuary.
In the hidden premises, the Pyramids of Cukulkana archaeologists found two main antiquities: "Mint of the Jaguar" and the figure of Chaak of Moole - the rain god.
- "Mats of Jaguar" - It is a stone throne in the form of jaguar, the paint on it is a fire-redhead, this is a symbol of the rule of the ruler of the city. The very first owner of this throne for legend was Cetzalcoatl. Spots on the animal's beast and the eyes of the animal are made of jade. Fangs are sharpened from the stone of volcanic nature.
- - Made for ritual purposes. At her belly, she has a flat bowl, which was placed the heart of the victim, for the subsequent burning.
The second name of the structure of the Kukulkana - the Pyramid of the Pernomy Snake (the most faithful translation: the Operate Snake). First, this pyramid and temple are devoted to this deity. Secondly, the name is associated with a certain phenomenon.
Light illusion Cukulkany - game of shadows on the edges of the pyramid
Every year, an event that attracts people in Mexico occurs during the equinox. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the pyramid is lit so that the staircase discards the shadow - a series of triangles, which all together resemble a snake tail.
During the movement of the shine, the triangles in the sky alternately go out, so the feeling that this is the tail of a huge snake, a length of 37 meters, moves down.
Now such a phenomenon can be seen not only on certain days, every evening a light show is held here.
Cukulkana: The right side of the pyramid is renovated, left - not restored
Learn more about the Pyramid of Cukulkana on our site - "Pyramid Kukulkana - the ancient God of Maya"
Temples of the ancient city of Chichen-Itsa
The temple of the warriors as well as the Temple of Jaguars is important buildings in the city of Chichen-Itsa. Both stand on small pyramids with 4-steps. Both have many paintings.
Temple of warriors
The temple of the warriors is located on the western side of the Pyramid of Kikulkan. It has four platforms, and from three sides around it you can see rows of three-meter stone columns. They are called a group of thousands of colon.
The pillars are skillfully cut out of the stone, and are Toltec soldiers, as if standing ranks. Once they pinned the roof.
On the south side of the temple there is a small structure that has the name "market".
The upper sanctuary, too, once had a roof, now it is not, and there are two "snakes" at the top, which worshed the passage to the temple.
On the platform there is also a statue of a person in a mid-core position. This Chaak Moole is the Rain God.
The Temple of Jaguar has two shrines: top and bottom. In the upper elite looked behind the game on the field.
At the entrance to the lower sanctuary, you can see the figure of the jaguar, thanks to which the temple received such a name.
Another building is called the temple or the grave of the Great Priest. During Maya, he played an important role.
Externally, the construction is similar to other temples with pyramids. But his difference is that inside there is a passage to the cave underground. There were ancient burials of noble people.
The second name of this building is Osuairi, in other words, the crypt.
Other sights
In addition to the temples, the city of Chichen Itza has other interesting places.
The sacred senote is a huge well. The diameter of it is approximately 60 meters, and the depth of the well is 50 meters. It costs water, from the edge to its surface about 20 meters.
The well served the place where they threw a sacrifice of young girls. Therefore, the second name of this object is a well of death.
Ball Game Fields
On the territory of the archaeological complex there are 9 fields for playing the ball. This game was something like a modern basketball, just played in it a heavy rubber ball, it was possible to beat only the thigh. Instead of ordinary baskets for walls, stone rings are attached.
The foundations found are large enough, the largest is located in the northern part of the complex. Its dimensions: length - 160 meters, width - 70. The entire field is surrounded by eight meter walls, they depict the scenes of tormented players and many skulls.
Karakol Tower - Ancient Observatory
One more ancient constructure - Karakol. This is a tower on two platforms, it was used to observe the heavenly astronomical objects. Often it is called the Observatory.
Half of the sixth morning. "When the alarm clock calls in the morning, it seems to me that they shoot me ...". So it seems to me that I hear shots, and not a cute pop melody trying to wake me up. Why so early? Why ... exactly! Today we are going to Chichen-ICU - the famous complex of the pyramids of the ancient Maya.
"If we do not wake up right now, we will not leave early, if you won't leave early, I will not see the first-time-in-law in the ringing cleanness of the coming day, but will push your shoulders with other tourists," I am lying around and arguing, trying to finally cheer up. The presence of a goal gives a stimulus - it works surely. Climb!
An hour later, with a small one with Andrews, we sit in a collateral, brought us to the "mouth of a waters of waters." Do not be afraid, this is not the direction confused, it is so translated by the name "Chichen Itsa" from Maya.
After another forty minutes, we find yourself at the entrance to the archaeological zone, the first of the visitors buy tickets and exactly at eight hours we overcome the turnstile pyramids separating us. The goal is achieved: we got to the complex to the opening itself, when the bulk of tourists still sleeps or only rides from Cancun, Plais del Carmen and Merida. Nothing will replace these golden morning hours of silence and lonely walking along the ancient ruins.
Attractions Chichen-Itsi
Complex Chichen Itsa (Chichén Itzá) is considered one of the main and most beloved tourists attractions peninsula Yucatan. Why? We will deal with these a little later, but for now, go for us, maybe you will understand everything.
While you read it, we are standing with Andrews, we consider the sacred senote and suddenly we see the bird on the tree. "So what?", - You ask. And the fact that the bird is not easy, and so that we have repeatedly hunted, trying to take a picture. Andrews even gave her name - a bird of happiness.
And what do you think? Today he managed to catch his bird of happiness!
On this optimistic note, we leave Chichen-ICU and go further, in the Senot of IR Kiel. But this is a completely different story.
Does Chichen-Itsa notice? No matter what, yes. This can not be missed, otherwise the situation is A la "come to Moscow and not see the Red Square."
But there is one "but". Remember, I said that Chichen-Itsa is very loved by tourists? Do you know what kind of considerations do I have? It seems to me that there are so many tourists here, because the pyramids of Chichen-Itsi are the most affordable on Yucatan. Before them is the most convenient to get from Cancun, and the entire Riviera Maya, Merida, Valladolid. Therefore, they are the most visited. I do not diminish the advantages of this complex, but I do not think that he is undoubtedly the best in Mexico. Undoubtedly, if you compare this complex with nearby mouse or ek-blah, it wins on scale, and in importance. But we drove more than half of Mexico, seeing Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, Ushmal, Palenque, Esna and these pyramids were impressed at no less Chichen-Itsi, and some are even several times more.
Enjoy your walks on Chichen Ice, dear readers!
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North Peninsula Yucatan in Mexico decorates the tourist attraction of the civilization of Maya Chichen Itza, which is located 200 km west. Chichen Itza is the most famous ancient settlement of the Empire Maya. Pages of the book "Secrets of the Indian Pyramids" M. Stingla tell that the first people began to settle on these lands in 455. Indians have chosen these fertile places in the V century, and in the VII century, the whole city community of the Maya tribe has been concentrated here. Chichen-Itsa in the x century of our era is a pretty sad time of the collision of the cultures of Maya and Toltec, which brought a whole choir of contradictions. The wise Indians Maya made up cards, made their mockup of the starry sky, predicted the end of the world in 2012, invented their basketball with the attached ring in the wall instead of the mesh.
Chichen Iza in Mexico found the status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The Archaeological Complex Chichen Isza consists of two zones complemented by each other: Southern (old) zone and the central (new) extended area. The stone platform of the choleberry church with carved heads during sacrifices, frightening frescoes, the ancient drawings and bas-reliefs remind of the past philosophy of the ancient Mayan tribe in mysterious stone Mayan ruins among the untouched tropical nature of Mexico.
The Sacred Senote is created by the very nature of a well depth of 50 meters for the sacrifices of the Mayan tribe. Ruins 4 colonnades form a huge rectangle. They are called "group 1000 columns". Square of a green field with stone sculptures pyramids Maya. (V-VI century), their buildings of the "bungalow" with palm roofs, structures and temples of Toltecs, driving ancient excavations, stone pillars, the head of God-snake at the base of the Pyramid of El Castillo, the temple of jaguars with Wall paintings - this is an incomplete list of What is a tourist Chichen-Itsa. The spectacular pyramid on the square is the Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo). According to the Mayan legend, twice a year on March 20 and September 22 during the astronomical phenomenon of solstice (the days of the spring and autumnal equinox), the sun's Supreme Supreme God-Snake is invariably descended from the top of the Pyramid Kukulkan, hitting the tourists with shadow and light highlights on the western balustrade.
Pyramid Kukulkom (El Castillo) is the main attraction of the entire complex that suits a special religious meaning of the Archaeological zone of Chichen Itsa. Since 2007, the Pyramid of the Kukulkan is as a new object of seven miracles of the world. The Pyramid of El Castillo is an object for the appearance of tourists in the central zone. It personifies two parallel cycles of the ancient Maya calendar: a ritual 260 day and civilian 365 day. Lined with 52 stone embossed ensembles on each of the four sides of the Pyramid Kukulkan signs symbolizes about the intersection of these two cycles once every 52 years.
Pyramid Kukulkan is a stone stepped sculpture of 25 meters high. It represents " mayan calendar" Four sides of the pyramid have 9 steps. Each step in the middle vertically compresses with a staircase. The two parts formed and receive 18 terraces (18 twenty-day months of the year). The main platform on top lead 4 stairs from 91 steps, which are designed in the center of each side of the pyramid. As a result, they make up 364 days a year and one basement. For a whole week before and after the dates of spring and autumnal equinox, it is also possible to observe the effect of the sliding "feathered snake" to its human head carved at the base of the pyramid. Every year on March 20 and 21, theatrical, costume, dance and music events are held in the Mexican Chichen-Ice. The holiday of "inclined Cukulkan" comes. What is the stunning energy here, because any pyramid attracts the sun!
The peoples of Itza is the Maya-Toltec civilization that has absorbed beliefs, legends and myths, ancient knowledge of the device of the Universe and the presentation of the world. In the history of the ancient city of Chichen-Itsa, two parts are distinguished: the first one belongs to Maya (VII - X century) and the worship of the Divine of the Kukulkan; The second - tooltec state (X-XI century) with the capital of Chichen Itsa. Ketzalcoatl is the most mysterious figure of the Supreme God in the mythology of Aztecs. Toltecov tied him to his own twin god. The god of the day, nights and science of Ketzalcoatlia was portrayed in the form of a rattle snake with green feathers of the birds of Ketzal. Perhaps the Indian civilization ruined the fact that they accepted the Spanish conqueror for this deity. The end of the XII century (1194) is a legend of a suddenly empty Toltec town. For many centuries, the city of Chichen-ICU destroyed the jungle and the forces of nature, while in 1923 there were no regular excavations of archaeologists.
Toltec Chichen Itza is the art of Central Mexico. The playground for the game was built and invented Toltec soldiers. The preserved Observatory of El Karakol with a destroyed dome and surviving screw lifting inside, dozens of military and religious buildings - the exhibits of the Toltec epoch in Chichen-Ice. The temple of warriors is highlighted - a low pyramid of five steps with a temple area on top. The temple of the warriors shows the former power of the Toltec army. Total places to play the ball on the territory of Chichen-Itsy nine. Juego de Pelita is the largest of them (length 145 meters, the width is about 68 meters). The rubber ball threw in two stone rings on the field (one by one side of the stone wall) - the prototype of our basketball.
Today, Chichen Itza is a restored and very well-renovated corner of the Mayan civilization, the place of adolescence to the remnants of the Maja shrine for tourists in Mexico. Right on the territory of the architectural complex in the open-air workshops, manual work on the stone will be performed. The shop in Chichen-Ice invites you to admire and buy on memory plates and products from stones of all kinds. Chichen-Itsa complex is a museum under open sky, restaurant, entrance market, bookstore and parking buses. The price of a ticket is 45 Mexican Peso. Entrance from 8:00 to 17:00. It is prohibited to climb on all buildings since 2006.
Chichen Itsa is considered the most popular excursion To the ancient treasures of Maya Indians on the Yucatan Peninsula. From the Riviera Maya near Cancun you can get here in two hours. Chichen-Izu visits 1 million travelers every year. Grand invasion of tourists had to be in Chichen-Ice as December 21, 2012. Mayan calendar assumed an offensive here the end of the world. Now in the evenings in Chichen Itza is a fabulous watch light-music presentation in Spanish. The ticket to the show is worth separately. The secrets of the Indian Pyramids of Maya create magic trepid, respect or deceptive mirage in contemporaries. So let it be a mystery to us!
Ancient city of Chichen-Itza - Maya's legacy; most ancient city On the peninsula Yucatan. Located 120 km from the capital of the region - Merida, and 205 km from popular resort Cancun. Probably, everyone who has ever been to Mexico, wanted to see the remnants of this ancient settlement, which is attracted to new miracles of light. Chichen Itza is included in the version of our site.
This is a special place where they once lived and worshiped their gods Indians Maya. For unknown reasons, they were forced to leave the city, which later became the production of conquerors: at first Toltec, and then the Spaniards. In Maya, the sonorous name of the settlement was translated as "the mouth of the ICA tribe." The word "well" is no longer accurate in this phrase, because in the territory of the city there were 13 sensations, the so-called natural wells.
By the way, one of these wells "Sacred Senot" served for sacrifices to God of water. On the territory of the empty settlement, the famous Kukulkan temple has been preserved, with which a lot of symbolic is connected. This is a pyramid structure, on top of which is a temple for sacrifices. Visitors are forbidden to climb the temple. There are 4 wide stairs, each of which consists of 91 steps.
If you multiply the number of stairs to the number of steps and add to the resulting number one, then the number 365 will turn out, that is, exactly as many days a year. In addition to this every year, an unforgettable show is happening on the days of spring and autumn equinox on the stairs of the pyramid. At about 15.00 the Sun illuminates parade staircase So, the shadows appear in the form of triangles, folding into the tail of the snake. Because of this, the Kukulkana is sometimes referred to as the pyramid of the feathered snake. In the evenings in Chichen Ice, you can see the same artificially created light show.
Many tourists are delayed on a huge platform created for cruel games in the ball. The ball of the ancient Maya was so heavy that he could only beat him. Well, and as it should be, each game ended with the sacrifice. In chronology, the city was founded, perhaps in the VII century AD. As a religious center of the Mexican tribe. Today, the remaining of the buildings are conventionally divided into two parts: old and new. The most significant facilities are located in the new central part. At the entrance to the complex there are souvenir shops and cafes.
The most convenient way to get to the ruins is a bus from Merida or Cancun. On the rented car you can also get to Chichen Izsy. The path runs both by paid (shorter) and free road.
World interest in the heritage of the civilization of the Maja Nationality is not fading. Numerous religious and religious riddles, gloomy predictions and extreme calendars, gigantic destroyed cities, among which the most famous - Chichen Itza, invariably attract crowds of tourists and curious. Name itself Chichen Itsa From Maya language translates as the "Maja tribe well", due to the fact that 13 sensational (natural wells) is located on the territory of an ancient city.
Chichen Itsa: City History
Based on archaeological data and scraps of old chronicles, the researchers concluded that famous city Maya was founded in the 5-6 centuries of the new era. He immediately became the center of Yucatan's territory: political, religious, cultural. According to some data (all approvals are relative Chichen Itsa Not confirmed and are hypotheses requiring evidence that is almost impossible), in the city there were constantly from 20 to 30 thousand inhabitants. The uncountable number of pilgrims and wanderers, merchants and changed annually attended this settlement.
In the 10th century, Maya was conquered by Taltecs, the city was partially looted and left most of the population. But life did not leave him. The decline falls on the 13th century from the Nativity of Christ. The buildings were tremended, people left Chichen Iz. From the 15th century in the territory, once rich, thriving and crowded, grazing herds. 
For a long time, no interest to the majestic and sinister ruins showed. From the middle of the century 19th, the passion for culture, astrology, and most importantly - the legendary wealth of Maya. On the territory began fragmented, but numerous excavations, research, artists and photographers from all over the world came to capture bizarre buildings and mysterious temples.
In the 2nd half of the last century, the Government of Mexico decided to restore (as far as possible) the initial external view Chichen Itza. This place was Mecca for tourists.
In 2007 an ancient city Chichen Iza Mexico Included in the list world Heritage UNESCO. Maya Chichen-Itsa is called one of the 7 new wonders of the world. There may be a taja, but not fate.
Chichen Itsa, Mexico and Artistic Value Raililla
The area of \u200b\u200bthe city is about 6 km. sq. Preserved architectural complexes Numerous and, if we study them in detail, consider every relief and column, one day to visit will be not enough. Unfortunately, excursions organized from cancun are only one-day. Night B. Chichen Itsa Nowhere, and oily.
A professional guide will hold a group on the coached roads, perfectly preserved for a half dozen centuries, and will show-tell about all the cult facilities of the city. The most significant and huge of them is pyramid Chichen Itsa Under the name of the Kukulkana "Pernoy Snake". The guide will entertain (and scares someone) legends about bloody sacrifices, cruelty and religious beliefs of an ancient tribe. The temple of the warriors will affect the realism of reliefs and sculptures, in the group "Thousand Columns" is easily lost. The playground "For the game of the ball" will surprise the value of its territory and cause goosebumps with images of cut-off heads.
The excursion includes a visit to the sacred sensation - a natural reservoir, the diameter of which is 60 meters. Depth is almost the same. There is evidence that this "Lake" Maya threw girls and children, as well as numerous cults, asking for their deities to rain.
