Chichen Itza was the most important sacred and religious center for the Mayan Itzaes in the Yucatan peninsula from approximately 900 A. D. to 1200 A. D. Its population was made up of high ranking priests or shamans, warriors and merchants, who belonged to the elite and according to some theories lived inside the city.
Farmers, hunters, and some other workers and their families might have lived in the surroundings.
THE MOST IMPORTANT BUILDINGS AND ASTRONOMICAL TOOLS
1.- The Castle. Considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, it worked and still works as an astronomical clock which calculates equinoxes and solstices (the 4 seasons of the year) using light and shadows reflected on its walls and facades. According to different archeologists and historians, this large temple was used as an observatory and a temple for human sacrifices.
2.- The Observatory of Snail. It is considered one of the most amazing astronomical tools designed by Mayan mathematicians, astronomers and architects. Through its western window this building determines the spring equinox and the maximum moon declination northwards. Through a line on the southwestern window, it sets the maximum moon declination towards the south with accurate precision.
3.- The Ball Court. It is the largest ball court of Mesoamerica (168 meters long, 70 meters wide) and one of the most important examples of the Itzaes’ architecture and sculptures.
Its boundaries are made up by 2 monumental walls, which platforms are featured by having 2 bas-relief sculptures with a scene where the pre-Columbian ritual of the ball game, related to human sacrifice is represented.
4.- The Warriors Temple and the 1000 column complex. Some scholars think that this was the place where the members of government organized their meetings and was also once a temple where they performed rituals
*The Cenote of the sacrifices. People from all over the Mayan territory would come and pilgrimages were carried out by visiting this sink-hole and throwing different sorts of offerings into it. The sink-hole was excavated at the beginning of the 20th century and carved pieces of jade, golden jewelry, pottery, human bones and other types of objects were extracted.
**All the information regarding Chichen Itza, its buildings and different places will be thoroughly explained by your Tour Guide who is certified by SECTUR (Mexican Tourism Department)
