Knowra Chichen Itza Chichen Itza Chichen Itza is a major Maya archaeological site in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Its monumental buildings include El Castillo, a pyramid associated with the feathered-serpent deity Kukulkan.
Maya civilization : A Mesoamerican civilization whose peoples developed cities, writing, mathematics, and distinctive architectural traditions. Chichen Itza was a major city within the wider Maya world.
El Castillo : A stepped pyramid at Chichen Itza, also called the Temple of Kukulkan. It is the site’s most recognizable monument and a focus of public interpretation.
Maya chronology : The periodization of Maya history, commonly divided into Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic eras. Chichen Itza’s main periods of growth fall within the Maya Classic and Postclassic eras.
Edward Herbert Thompson : An American diplomat and archaeologist who excavated Chichen Itza and dredged its Sacred Cenote. His excavations recovered objects while raising lasting questions about colonial-era collecting.
UNESCO World Heritage Site : A place recognized under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention for outstanding cultural or natural value. Chichen Itza received this designation in 1988, bringing international heritage responsibilities.
Mesoamerica : A historical cultural region spanning central and southern Mexico and parts of Central America. The site’s architecture and history belong to this broader cultural region.
Great Ball Court : A monumental ball court at Chichen Itza, the largest known in Mesoamerica. Its scale and reliefs make it a striking example of the city’s ceremonial architecture.
Tula : An archaeological site in central Mexico identified with the Toltec capital Tollan. Architectural parallels with Tula have shaped accounts of Chichen Itza’s later history.
Alfred Maudslay : A British explorer and archaeologist whose photographs and casts documented Maya sites. His documentation helped preserve records of Chichen Itza’s monuments and inscriptions.
Mexican heritage law : The legal framework governing the protection and management of Mexico’s archaeological and historical heritage. National protections govern excavation, conservation, and access at Chichen Itza.
Show all 28