Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, located in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, was one of several cultural centers developed by the Maya. These sites are spread throughout Southeastern Mexico and Guatemala and are believed to have served a function similar to universities.

The Pyrimid of Kulkulkan

The Pyrimid of Kulkulkan is a giant calendar -- there are nine levels, one for each month in the Mayan calendar; 54 indented squares, one for each week; and 366 steps, one for each day of the year. Each side of the pyrimid faces a cardinal direction. At the bottom of one side of the pyrimid, there are two snake heads, which represent the Mayan god Kulkulkan. On the equinoxes, the scalloped edges of the pyrimid create a shadow which form the body for the snake heads. The shadows appear to move down the pyrimid. To the Mayans, this represented their god coming down to reward his loyal followers.


Pyrimid of Kulkulkan

Unfocused shot

Drew on steps

Entrance

On top

The Ball Court

The ball court was used for a basketball-like game -- except that the hoop was much higher and sideways. It is currently believed that after the game, the captain of the winning team was decapitated. His blood was used to fertilize the ground. The body was then thrown into a well and a relief of his skull was carved into a wall to memorialize him. The ball court itself has a stand over each "end zone" for the two judges. Despite the far distance, the stands' acoustics were designed so that the judges could talk to each other in a normal speaking voice. The court is surrounded by a large wall where spectators stood, and on one side there is a covered box with seats for the aristocracy.


Seen from the top of Kulkulkan
Down the field
Hoop close-up

The wall of skulls
From the outside
The well

The Observatory

The observatory has the same basic shape as a modern day observatory. The central dome has slots for observing the stars, although the exact method of observation remains a mystery. There is no evidence that the Maya developed telescopes, yet they were able to chart stars they could not have been able to see with the naked eye.


Front view