|
Tulum, "The City of Dawn", is one of the
most important archeological zones on the Caribbean coast.
Located on the sea the temples and alters did not last long;
comparatively, those of Chichen-Itza and Uxmal are much better
preserved.
The Castle is situated on a natural platform on the
coast, only a few meters away from the turquoise waters of
the Caribbean. The castle is divided into two main bodies,
one lower construction and a later built on top of it. Although
part of the stone carvings have disappeared, at the upper
corners of the western facade of the alter there are tow plumed-serpent
masks. These snakes are related to the movement of the sun
and they represent the solstices. The Ancient Mayas considered
the rattlesnake as a solar symbol.
Temple of the Wind is located on the northwest part
of the complex. This small temple has only one room, inside
which there is a tiny alter. The temple was erected on a circular
platform with a series of small steps leading to it.
|
