Chichen Itza

Attribution:

Maurizio Ciampi

Yucatán Peninsula

Mexico

Key Dates

Chichen Itza rose as a centre of regional power in the Early Classic period, around 600 AD. It became a major capital towards the end of the Late Classic period (600–900 AD) and remained so into the Terminal Classic period (800-900/1000 AD). Chichen Itza declined from around 1000 AD. The Spanish occupied the site from the 16th century.

Key People

The site was constructed by the Maya civilization, before coming under Toltec control once it was captured by the king Topiltzin Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl in the 10th century AD.

This sacred and famous site was one of the greatest Maya centres of the Yucatán peninsula, and it bears the hallmarks of 1000 years of history. Many different peoples have left their mark on the city, the Maya and Toltec in particular, in the form of two distinct phases of architecture.
Chichen Itza's most famous structure is the later period "El Castillo" (Spanish for "The Castle") - a massive stepped pyramid. Other notable buildings include the Warriors’ Temple and the circular observatory known as "El Caracol", from where Maya astronomers would once have meticulously watched the heavens. The site was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Admission Fee

Admission Free

Related Websites

Visit Mexico

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