MEXICO'S CHICHEN ITZA PYRAMID

Chichen Itza is the most significant city and has become an archaeological site. It is situated 29 km southwest of Valladolid, Mexico. The meaning of its name is “Mouth of the Wells of Itza”, which is derived from the Itza tribe of Maya Native Americans and the two natural wells that supplied water in the city. The cultural, as well as religious life of the city depended upon these wells. 

Mexico's Chichen Itza was discovered early in the 6th century AD and derelict around the year 670. It was rebuilt some 300 years later, when Itza came back to this region. At this point of time, it became one of the most important cities of Northern Yucatan, a center of Maya culture. It has Toltec influence, however the fact that how its influence grew in Chichen Itza is still unclear. Later on, the Itza became a part of a coalition in the Postclassic center of Mayapan, which collapsed even before the Spanish conquest.  

The structure type is of the platform pyramid, climbed through broad stairways directing to the vaulted chambers. Its walls are covered with sculptured figures and vivid coloured paintings having a close resemblance to the Aztec codices. Another significant ruin is El Castillo, a huge temple on a pyramidal mound, with staircase on four sides to the temple on the top.