Tom Lonero
08/25/2021
PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero
An Important Mayan Archaeological Site
The legendary archaeological site is located in the State of Yucatan smack between the resort town of Cancún and the City of Mérida. Both Mérida and Valladolid are worth visiting as are the beaches of Cancún.
While Chichén Itzá is by far not the only fantastic archaeological site in Mexico it is the only one that has El Castillo, aka the “Temple of Kukulcán”. It carries the distinction of being voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The entire site has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archeologists who have been studying the area have discovered many different architectural styles, which leads them to believe that Chichén Itzá may have been a melting pot city for the Mayan empire. Different groups may have traveled there and exchanged ideas.
ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero
A Little History
Although Chichén Itzá later on in history fell into complete abandonment as the jungle took back what was rightfully its to begin with, Chichén Itzá was never a lost city. It existed when the Spanish Conquistadors settled the region in 1519. At one point the Spanish even attempted to name Chichén Itzá a capital. Eventually the Maya pushed back against the Spanish but as we all know, the Spanish inevitably won out. As Spanish towns starting popping up throughout Yucatan and Mexico proper, the Maya started to abandon their old cities for the newer towns and cities that grew up around them. Some Mayan cities and buildings were even dismantled in areas as the stone was repurposed for newer construction of churches and other newer modern buildings. Those Mayan structures now lost forever.
Chichén Itzá means “At the mouth of the well Itza”. It’s well documented how the Maya held cenotes in high regard. It’s believed they held and still hold a spiritual significance. Artifacts and human remains found at various cenotes seem to confirm the notion that at least some cenotes are indeed sacred. It’s also been confirmed in recent years that El Castillo is built over one such sacred cenote. Yes... under that massive mound of stone is a sparkling pool of water.
ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero
UNESCO and Archaeoastronomy
The reasons for Chichén Itzá‘s UNESCO designation are obvious. It’s simply magnificent. It receives over 2 million visitors a year. Ancestral Mayan are permitted to set up markets within the Archeological park. In some areas there are literally table after table of competing merchants. Sometimes selling the same thing. They will negotiate with the savvy.
The reasons why El Castillo was named a Seventh Wonder may not be immediately apparent. Its not only due to the overall magnificence of the pyramid but its also due to its secret archaeoastronomy. Every year at the spring and fall equinox a snake like shadow moves down the staircase of El Castille (Temple of Kukulcán) to meet with the giant foreboding snake heads at the bottom of the staircase. The snake represents the feathered serpent god that is completely embedded in mythology throughout Mesoamerica. The entire pyramid was build for the worship of the great-feathered serpent - Kukulcán.
The major pyramid is not the only structure on site that has elements of archaeoastronomy. El Caracol, also known as “the Observatory”, is another important location you should visit while at Chichén Itza. The observatory can pinpoint several astrological events including the location and alignment of Venus every 8 years.
ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero
A Must See if Traveling to the Yucatan
If you are going to visit the Yucatan, then Chichén Itza would make a perfect addition to your visit. The 1000 Columns, Ball Court and Temple of the Warrior are awe-inspiring by themselves.
About 15 minutes from the site is the town of Vallidolid. It is often skipped over by the tourist buses from Cancun but it makes for a great stop afterwards to pick up lunch or dinner if you can find a way. The town square and the people are beautiful. The food is completely authentic and inexpensive. The exposure to the culture is obviously priceless.
ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero
