This is how our day was described.
Our day of ancient discovery begins with a scenic, 45-minute ferry ride across the Channel of Cozumel to Playa del Carmen on the mainland of Mexico. Upon arrival at Playa del Carmen, we boarded our comfortable air-conditioned transportation and enjoy a narrated drive by our guide, who enlightened us on the history of the country, the Mayan culture and the impressive ruins. During the course of the day, we were given a box lunch and snack.
Chichén Itzá, once a massive, complex city built by the Mayan people, was most active between the years 600 and 1250 A.D., serving as both a bustling urban center and a religious site.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring maze of structures, including huge stone pyramids, columned arcades, dramatic temples and other monuments that made up this ruined city, the core of which covers more than 1.9 square miles. As we study this fascinating archeological complex, we'll understand why it was given the distinction of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
You'll want to keep your camera at the ready as your guide introduces you to key structures on your guided tour. See the impressive Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, which demonstrates the advanced astronomical skills of the Mayan people.
Note that the pyramid has exactly 365 steps, one for each day of the year, and twice a year, only on the days of the spring and fall equinox, the shadows of the steps create the image of a serpent descending the pyramid. You'll also find an observatory on the site as well. Mayan priests were uncanny in their ability to predict solar eclipses and other celestial events.
Continue your exploration at the Temple of the Warriors, the Cenote Sagrado – a natural sinkhole, 200 feet in diameter. It's a shuddering thought that sacrifices were made here during times of drought.
Sports lovers will enjoy viewing the Great Ballcourt. Here it is believed that participants tried to put a 12-pound ball through a stone scoring hoop during a series of ritual games. Accuracy was certainly important, as it is believed that the losers were put to death!
Both a religious site and a busy urban center, Chichén Itzá was a hub of trade in the region for centuries, but during the 1400s the site declined, though it is not known exactly why. A subsequent Spanish conquest found the city largely undefended and divided the lands around the city among its own soldiers.
After this unforgettable day spent at this Mayan architectural wonder, reboard your transportation for a relaxing ride back to the ferry, which will take you across the azure Caribbean waters to your waiting ship.
No comments:
Post a Comment