Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá was one of the most important cities of the pre‑Columbian Maya civilization. Flourishing from the late Classic period (c. 600 AD) through the early Postclassic (c. 1000 AD), it became a major political, economic and religious centre on the Yucatán Peninsula.
The most iconic structure is the Temple of Kukulcán, commonly called El Castillo. The stepped pyramid rises 30 m (≈ 98 ft) and is famous for the “serpent shadow” effect that occurs at the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the play of light and shadow creates the illusion of a descending feathered serpent along the northern staircase.
Other key monuments include the Great Ball Court (the largest known Mesoamerican ballcourt), the Platform of the Skulls, the Group of the Thousand Columns, and the observatory known as El Caracol. Together they illustrate a sophisticated blend of Maya tradition and influences from central Mexico, especially the Toltec.
Chichén Itzá's history reflects the dynamic Maya civilization. It was founded around 600 AD during the Classic period and reached its zenith between 900 and 1200 AD, when Toltec influences led to the construction of many of its grandest structures. The city declined after 1200, possibly due to drought or invasion, and was largely abandoned by the 15th century.
The Great Ball Court is a testament to the importance of the Mesoamerican ballgame, a ritual sport with religious significance. Players aimed to pass a rubber ball through stone hoops without using hands, and the court at Chichén Itzá measures 168 meters long, with acoustic properties that amplify sounds.
El Caracol, the observatory, demonstrates advanced astronomical knowledge. Its design allowed Maya priests to track celestial events, including solstices and equinoxes, aiding in calendar calculations and agricultural planning.
In 1988 UNESCO declared Chichén Itzá a World Heritage Site, describing it as “a masterpiece of human creative genius.” It was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Today the site receives millions of visitors each year and continues to be a focal point for both archaeological research and contemporary Maya cultural identity.
For a deeper dive, see the Wikipedia article .