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The construction of this site amazing. There are many other Mayan temples scattered around, and some are a lot larger than this one (although this one is certainly not small) but apparently, Chichen Itza (pronounced Chee Chen Eat Za) is one of the most sacred. The main and largest pyramid is solid with with a new temple being built over the old temple every time the Mayans adjusted their calendars.
Kimberlee and me |
The goal was to get a ball through a tiny hoop using their feet. Let's get a little perspective, shall we?
They have to get a ball through that tiny hole. With their feet. |
With their feet!! |
Entrance to the Great Ball Court |
On the side of the Great Ball Court is the Temple of the Jaguars.
The Platform of The Eagles and The Jaguars represent the warriors that presented the victims of sacrifice for the gods.
The Temple of the Warriors is the only structure at Chichen Itza that can actually hold large groups of people.
Around the Temple of the Warriors are the Thousand Columns. At one time there was a roof above the columns and it is believed that these were meeting places.
Indiana |
The Ossario, also known as the High Priests' Grave, is built over a natural cave. When it was excavated, human remains were found, but it is not believed to be an actual grave site or tomb.
The Observatory, or El Caracol, is a huge structure that seems to be aligned with the movements of Venus. The top of the Observatory is not perfectly aligned (according to our guide) because only the gods could reflect perfection. Humans were incapable of creating anything perfect and in order to not anger the gods, the buildings show imperfect architectual designs.
On the way out, I snapped a few more pictures of the main temple.
Bucket list: Chichen Itza: CHECK!
If anyone can tell me why my spell check no longer seems to work on Blogger and how I can fix it, I would greatly appreciate it!
that is really pretty amazing- what year(s) was all that stuff built?? i really can't imagine how so much amazing stuff was accomplished without modern tools, and they were so incredibly savvy that they were like, we could do this right, but we'll screw it up just a little to remain humble. uh, wow. i can barely put legos together.
ReplyDeleteThe crazy thing is that a new temple was built over the old temple over and over. I can't really remember why. Something to do with he Mayans adjusting their calendars. But yeah, I can barely hang a picture, so it's really impressive.
Delete*I had the same spell check question!!
ReplyDeleteMy mom went down there on her honeymoon and when she got home she was telling me all the same stories you just put in here -- but she didn't have pictures to go with it. Oh my gosh, that little hole for the ball? Crazy! Maybe I'm silly - but I think I'd want to be on the LOSING team!!
No kidding, right? Or guide tried to convince us it was a great honor, but um, I'm buying it!
DeleteHi - me again! I just looked at your race schedule. I think I counted 5 that we were both at? Let me recount -- Princess, Disneyland, Vegas, WDW 1/2, WDW Relay - yep, that would be FIVE!!
ReplyDeleteWow, crazy! Especially since we're not from the same states! But it seems that we can't stay away from Disney races, and I already know you'll be doing Goofy, so yeah! Let's take pics!!!
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