Chichen Itza facts for kids
Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) dominates the center of the archeological site
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 Location in Mesoamerica
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| Location | Yucatán, Mexico |
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| Region | Yucatán |
| Coordinates | 20°40′59″N 88°34′7″W / 20.68306°N 88.56861°W |
| History | |
| Periods | Late Classic to Early Postclassic |
| Cultures | Maya civilization |
| Official name | Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, ii, iii |
| Designated | 1988 (12th session) |
| Reference no. | 483 |
| State Party | Mexico |
| Region | Latin America and the Caribbean |
Chichen Itza was a huge city built by the Maya people long ago. It was an important place in the Yucatán State, Mexico. This ancient city was a major center for the Maya from about 600 AD to 1200 AD.
The buildings at Chichen Itza show many different styles. Some look like those from central Mexico. Others are like the Puuc and Chenes styles from the northern Maya lowlands. This mix of styles shows that different cultures shared ideas.
Chichen Itza was one of the biggest Maya cities. It might have been one of the famous "Tollans" mentioned in old Maya stories. The city likely had many different kinds of people living there. This could explain why its buildings look so varied.
The ruins of Chichen Itza belong to the Mexican government. They are cared for by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. The land under the monuments was privately owned until 2010. Then, the state of Yucatán bought it. Chichen Itza is now one of Mexico's most visited ancient sites. Over 2.6 million people visited in 2017.
What Does the Name Chichen Itza Mean?
The name "Chichen Itza" comes from the Maya language. It means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza."
- Chi means "mouth" or "edge."
- Chʼen or chʼeʼen means "well."
- Itzá was the name of a powerful Maya group. Some think "Itza" means "enchanter of the water."
The name is often spelled Chichén Itzá in Spanish. This shows which parts of the name are stressed. An older name for the city was Uuc Yabnal. This might mean "Seven Great House" or "Seven Great Rulers." This older name was used before the Itza group became powerful.
Where is Chichen Itza Located?
Chichen Itza is in the eastern part of Yucatán state, Mexico. The northern Yucatán Peninsula is made of karst rock. This means rivers flow underground.
There are four natural cenotes (sinkholes) at Chichen Itza. These cenotes provided plenty of water all year. This made the area a good place for people to settle. The most famous one is the "Cenote Sagrado," or Sacred Cenote.
In ancient times, the Maya offered objects and even people into the cenote. This was a way to worship Chaac, the Maya rain god. In the early 1900s, a researcher named Edward Herbert Thompson explored the Sacred Cenote. He found gold, jade, pottery, and human remains. In 2015, scientists found a hidden cenote under the main pyramid, Kukulkan, that no one has seen yet.
How Was Chichen Itza Governed?
Some experts think Chichen Itza was not ruled by just one person. Instead, it might have been governed by a council of leaders. This system is called "multepal." It means several important families shared power.
This idea was popular for a while. But more recent research suggests it might not be true. Today, many experts believe Chichen Itza was ruled more like other Maya kingdoms. These kingdoms usually had a single powerful ruler.
What Was Chichen Itza's Economy Like?
Chichen Itza was a very important trading center. It traded goods across the northern Maya lowlands. The city used a port called Isla Cerritos on the coast. This allowed it to get things from far away.
For example, Chichen Itza got obsidian (a sharp volcanic glass) from central Mexico. It also got gold from southern Central America. Between 900 AD and 1050 AD, Chichen Itza grew into a powerful capital. It controlled much of north and central Yucatán.
A Brief History of Chichen Itza
The main part of Chichen Itza was built between 750 AD and 900 AD. After 900 AD, the city became a major capital. Its power reached from central Yucatán to the northern coast. The oldest date found in Chichen Itza is 832 AD. The last known date is 998 AD.
How Chichen Itza Grew
Chichen Itza became important around 600 AD. It grew into a major regional capital later, around 800-900 AD. It took control of political, social, and economic life in the northern Maya lowlands. This happened as other big Maya cities in the south began to decline.
As Chichen Itza became stronger, cities like Yaxuna and Coba became weaker. These two cities were allies. Chichen Itza might have helped cause their decline.
Why Chichen Itza Declined
Some old Maya stories say that a ruler named Hunac Ceel conquered Chichen Itza in the 1200s. He was from the city of Mayapan. These stories say Hunac Ceel jumped into the Sacred Cenote. He then claimed to have gained the power of prophecy.
However, archeologists now think Chichen Itza declined earlier, around 1100 AD. This was before Mayapan became powerful. So, Mayapan probably did not conquer Chichen Itza when it was a major city.
Even after its leaders left, the city might not have been empty. When the Spanish arrived, they found many Maya people living nearby. The Sacred Cenote also remained a special place for pilgrimages.
The Spanish Arrive
In 1526, a Spanish explorer named Francisco de Montejo wanted to conquer Yucatán. His son, Francisco Montejo The Younger, tried to make Chichen Itza his capital in 1532. He renamed it Ciudad Real.
At first, there was no resistance. But the Maya soon became hostile. They surrounded the Spanish soldiers. Montejo the Younger and his men were trapped among the ruins. They had no supplies. In 1534, they had to sneak away in the dark. By 1535, all Spanish had left Yucatán.
Later, Montejo returned with a large army. He conquered the peninsula. By 1588, Chichen Itza was used as a cattle ranch.
Modern Discoveries at Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza became famous again in 1843. This was thanks to a book by John Lloyd Stephens. The book had amazing drawings by Frederick Catherwood. It made many people want to visit the Maya cities.
In the late 1800s, more explorers came. They took photos and studied the buildings. Augustus Le Plongeon found a statue of a figure lying on its back. He called it "Chaacmol," which is now known as "Chac Mool."
In 1894, Edward Herbert Thompson bought the land that included Chichen Itza. For 30 years, he explored the city. He is most famous for exploring the Sacred Cenote. He found gold, jade, and other artifacts. He sent many of these to a museum in the United States.
In the 1920s, the Mexican government allowed American archeologists to work at Chichen Itza. They excavated and restored major buildings. These included the Temple of Warriors and the Caracol. The Mexican government also restored El Castillo and the Great Ball Court.
In 2009, new excavations began near El Castillo. Archeologists wanted to learn about older structures beneath it.
Exploring the Site of Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza was a very large Maya city. Its main area covers about 5 square kilometers (2 square miles). The city was built on uneven land. The Maya leveled the ground to build their major structures.
Many stone buildings are still standing, and some have been restored. Paved roads called sacbeob connected the buildings. Archeologists have found over 80 of these roads. The buildings were once painted in bright colors like red, green, blue, and purple. Imagine how colorful the city must have looked!
The buildings show different architectural styles. The main groups of buildings are:
- The Great North Platform (with the Temple of Kukulcán)
- The Osario Group
- The Central Group
South of the main area is "Old Chichen" (Chichén Viejo). This area has even more ancient buildings.
Great North Platform
This is the most famous part of Chichen Itza. It includes the main pyramid and the ball court.
Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo)
The Temple of Kukulcán is the most famous building. The Spanish called it El Castillo ("the castle"). This pyramid is about 30 meters (98 feet) tall. It has nine square levels. A temple sits on top.
Each of the pyramid's four sides has a staircase. At the bottom of the main staircase, you can see carved serpent heads. These represent Kukulcán, a feathered serpent god.
The Maya often built new structures over older ones. In the 1930s, archeologists found another temple hidden inside El Castillo. They found a Chacmool statue and a red jaguar throne with jade spots. You can no longer go inside this hidden temple.
Around the spring and autumn equinoxes, a special shadow appears. In the late afternoon, a shadow looks like a serpent slithering down the staircase. Many people believe this was designed to mark the equinoxes. However, this effect can be seen for several weeks around those dates.
Great Ball Court
Chichen Itza has thirteen ballcourts. The Great Ball Court is the biggest and most impressive. It is about 168 meters (551 feet) long and 70 meters (230 feet) wide. It is the largest and best-preserved ball court in ancient Mesoamerica.
The walls of the court are 8 meters (26 feet) high. High up on these walls are stone rings. These rings are carved with feathered serpents. The game involved hitting a rubber ball through these rings.
At one end is the North Temple. It has carvings of a bearded man. At the other end is a larger, ruined temple. The Temples of the Jaguar are built into the east wall. The Upper Temple of the Jaguar has large columns carved with feathered serpents. Inside, there is a mural showing a battle. The Lower Temple of the Jaguar has another jaguar throne.
Other Important Structures
- The Tzompantli, or Skull Platform, has carvings of skulls. This shows influence from central Mexico.
- The Platform of the Eagles and the Jaguars shows eagles and jaguars eating human hearts.
- The Platform of Venus is dedicated to the planet Venus.
- The Temple of the Tables has altars supported by small carved figures.
- The Steam Bath was a unique building with a waiting area, a water bath, and a steam room.
- Sacbe Number One is a long, wide road that leads to the Sacred Cenote.
Sacred Cenote
The Yucatán Peninsula has no rivers on the surface. Instead, it has many natural sinkholes called cenotes. The Sacred Cenote is 60 meters (197 feet) wide. Its cliffs drop 27 meters (89 feet) to the water.
This cenote was a very important pilgrimage site. People made sacrifices here, especially during dry times. Archeologists have found thousands of items at the bottom. These include gold, jade, pottery, and even human skeletons.
Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of the Warriors is a large pyramid. It has rows of carved columns that show warriors. This temple is similar to one found in the Toltec capital of Tula. This suggests that the Maya and Toltec cultures had contact. At the top of the pyramid is a Chacmool statue.
Inside this temple is an older structure called The Temple of the Chac Mool. Archeologists from the Carnegie Institution restored this building in the 1920s. They found murals inside that showed battle scenes. Some experts even wonder if these murals show contact with Viking sailors!
Group of a Thousand Columns
Next to the Temple of the Warriors are many columns. These columns once held up a large roof. They are carved with images of soldiers. One part of this group covers a clever water channel. This channel carried rainwater away from the complex.
South of these columns are three smaller buildings:
- The Temple of the Carved Columns has detailed carvings of people.
- The Temple of the Small Tables is mostly unrestored.
- The Thompson's Temple has carvings of jaguars and Maya gods.
El Mercado
This square building is at the south end of the Temple of Warriors complex. Early explorers thought it was a marketplace. They believed goods were displayed on its stone shelves. Today, archeologists think it was used for ceremonies, not for selling things.
Osario Group
South of the Great North Platform is another group of important buildings. Many of these face the Xtoloc cenote.
The Osario is a smaller pyramid. Like El Castillo, it has staircases on all four sides. There is a temple on top. In the center of the Osario, an opening leads to a natural cave 12 meters (39 feet) below. Edward H. Thompson explored this cave. He found skeletons and artifacts, so he called it The High Priests' Temple. However, archeologists now believe it was not a tomb for priests.
The Temple of Xtoloc is a restored temple near the Osario. It overlooks the Xtoloc cenote. The temple has carvings of people, plants, birds, and mythological scenes.
Casa Colorada Group
This group has some of the oldest buildings at Chichen Itza.
The Casa Colorada (Spanish for "Red House") is very well preserved. Its Maya name is Chichanchob. Inside, there are carved hieroglyphs that mention rulers of Chichen Itza. One carving shows a Maya date from 869 AD, which is one of the oldest dates found in the city.
In 2009, a small ball court next to the Casa Colorada was restored. Another building in this group, La Casa del Venado (House of the Deer), is half-ruined.
Central Group
Las Monjas is a notable complex of buildings. The Spanish called it "The Nuns" or "The Nunnery," but it was actually a government palace. Next to it is a small temple called La Iglesia ("The Church"). It is decorated with many masks.
The texts found at Las Monjas often mention a ruler named Kʼakʼupakal.
El Caracol ("The Snail") is a round building. It gets its name from the spiral staircase inside. Experts believe it was an observatory. Its doors and windows line up with important events in the sky, especially the path of Venus.
Akab Dzib means "Dark Writing" in Maya. This refers to mysterious carvings inside. The building is 6 meters (20 feet) high and 50 meters (164 feet) long. It was likely the home of an important administrator. Inside, you can see a painted hand print near the ceiling.
Old Chichen
Old Chichen (or Chichén Viejo) is a group of structures south of the main site. This area has many buildings in the Puuc style. It includes the Temple of the Owls and the Temple of the Monkeys.
Caves of Balankanche
About 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) southeast of Chichen Itza are the sacred caves of Balankanche. Inside, you can see ancient pottery and idols. They are still in the same places where the Maya left them long ago.
These caves have been known for a long time. Researchers explored them in the early 1900s. In 1959, a local guide found a hidden section of the caves. It contained many undisturbed ancient remains. The caves are now an underground museum. Visitors can see the artifacts where they were found.
Tourism at Chichen Itza
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Chichen Itza is one of Mexico's most popular ancient sites. In 2017, over 2.1 million people visited it. Tourism has been important here for over 100 years. John Lloyd Stephens' book made many people want to visit.
In the 1920s, a road was built to Chichen Itza. This made it easier for tourists to visit. The Mayaland Hotel opened in 1930, right near the ruins.
In 1972, the Mexican government made all ancient monuments, including Chichen Itza, federal property. This means they belong to the nation.
Today, many visitors come to see the light-and-shadow effect on the Temple of Kukulcán during the spring equinox. A handclap in front of El Castillo also makes an echo that sounds like a bird's chirp.
Chichen Itza is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, chosen in a worldwide vote in 2007. This brought even more tourists to the site.
In 2010, the state of Yucatán bought the land where the main monuments stand. This means the government now owns the most famous parts of Chichen Itza.
To protect the ancient structures, visitors can no longer climb many of them. For example, climbing El Castillo was stopped after an accident in 2006.
Images for kids
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El Caracol, observatory of Chichen Itza
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Temple of the Warriors in 1986 - note that the Temple of the Big Tables, immediately to the left, was unrestored at that time
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Stone Ring located 9 meters (30 feet) above the floor of the Great Ballcourt
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Platform of Venus in the Great Plaza
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Kukulcán pyramid
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Mosaic mask on the western face of La Iglesia
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Elaborate mosaic masks
See also
In Spanish: Chichén Itzá para niños
