Chichen Itza: a place of wonder by any measure, this architectural complex on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula expresses the worldview of the Maya with mathematical precision.
Americas (English Edition) › Vol. 60 Nbr. 1, January 2008
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New Seven Wonders of the World - Travel narrative
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Chichen Itza: a place of wonder by any measure, this architectural complex on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula expresses the worldview of the Maya with mathematical precision.
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The Pyramid of Kukulcan in Chichen Itza, the ancient Maya ceremonial center on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, has been voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The history of this architectural complex, whose name means "at the mouth of the Itza well," inspires a sense of wonder worthy of the name given to its early inhabitants: "water sorcerers." Surrounded by dense rainforest, Chichen Itza sits in the north central part of the Yucatan, about 75 miles east of the stale capital of Merida. It hides two freshwater sinkholes, or cenotes, within its boundaries: one, known as Xtoloc, the source of drinking water for Chichen Itza; and the deep, emerald-hued Sacred Well where the rain god Chac was invoked to bring water. During droughts, countless jadeite offerings and even some sacrificed maidens or children were flung to the bottom of the well, which glistens within towering w...See the full content of this document
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