Chichen Itza
The Pyramid or El Castillo at Chichen Itza is
one of the most spectacular Mayan Ruins. It is a masterpiece
of Toltec-Maya architecture. The Pyramid stands in the center
of the ruins at Chichen Itza, surrounded by several other
important buildings including the temple of the warriors,
the ball court, and the Platform of Venus. See
information about the equinox at Chichen Itsa.
The Ball Court of Chichen Itza is the largest in all Mesoamerica.
The detailed carvings of the ball players along the walls
are breathtaking. "Which captain lost his head at the
end of the game? The winner? or the Loser? Or is the image
symbolic of a dying to self and rising to a higher plain in
victory. The mystery and debate continues.
The Observatory at Chichen Itza is one of the most importan
structures in the city. Used by Maya astronomers to view the
heavens, this structure allowed the ancients to pinpoint the
longest and shortest days of the year, follow Venius in its
rotation, observe other planets and more.
Temple of Venus. This structure was named because
it has eight stars, incompletely carved, two in each corner,
which archeologists have interpreted as representing the planet
Venus.
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