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Chichén Itzá

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Silverfox
Silverfox
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5 out of 5
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A Brief Chichén Itzá History

  • January 29, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Koentje3000 from Hamme, Belgium
A Brief Chichén Itzá History

The earliest history of the site is still largely unknown, but artefacts found here show evidence that there must have been a settlement already around the beginning of our epoch. Nomadic tribes already wandered around the Yucatán peninsula much earlier. The porous soil of the land makes it devoid of freshwater lakes or rivers, but instead it is dotted with cenotes, a kind of sinkhole filled with water. Near Chichén Itzá are two of these cenotes, so the area became very attractive for the wandering Mayan tribes, and the first settlements soon followed. Around 1AD there must have been already a small society on this site. As a social and religious Maya centre, Chichén soon developed in size and importance. By the 7th century (the Mayan classic period), there were possibly around 50.000 inhabitants. Most people lived in huts of which little remains, but several of the great stone buildings still in existence today originate from this time. The Mayan tribe of the Itzá, originating from present day Guatemala, took over the leadership of the city around 700AD. From then onwards, the city became widely known as Chichén Itzá, meaning the well of the Itzá, referring to the cenotes and the tribe. They became a strong regional power, even more after the decline of southern Mayan centres like Uxmal and Tikal. Around 1000AD there was a heavy interaction with the Toltec culture from central Mexico and buildings from this period are largely influenced by the ones in the Toltec capital of Tula. Environmental issues due to over-population and deforestation lead to droughts and wars, and finally a decline of the once great city. Final blow for Chichén came with its defeat in the 13th century by nearby Mayapan, although it may have been a place of worship for the local Mayan population until the arrival of the Spanish.

The Spanish arrived in the region around 1500AD, but at first they were not so interested in these lands. The first real encounter happened when Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba sailed from Cuba to the Yucatán coasts in search of slaves. Instead he returned with gold gifts from some of the native tribes and tales of a greater empire to the west, probably referring to Chichén Itzá. After an expedition of Hernán Cortés, that other great conquistador Francisco de Montejo Was granted permission by King of Spain Charles I (the later Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) to conquer the peninsula in his name. His first attempt seemed successful first as he managed to settle a few towns near present-day Cancún on the peninsula, but he was soon repelled by Mayan resistance. His son however returned with a large army. He conquered the Mayan town of Ch'o in 1540 and renamed it Mérida. Form here his conquests were much more fruitful then his father's attempts and 6 years later the whole peninsula was subdued. However, the brutal approach of the Spaniards against the Mayan population reflected in periodic bloody revolts from the locals, leading to more bloodshed between them. Even after the Mexican independence there were occasionally revolts from the Mayans, most notably the Caste War of 1848, mainly because the Mayans had much less right then the mestizos and the Spanish descendants. Nowadays things have quieted down and weapons and gunners have been replaced by bricklayer trowels and tourists. Since its inscription in 1988 as Unesco World Heritage Site #483 a large restoration was undertaken and now the site shines as the great tourist magnet it should be.

From journal The World Famous and the Little Known

Chitzen Itza

  • March 25, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by lvohra from Oakville, Ontario
Chitzen Itza

This is farther than Coba or Tulum but well worth the trip. You will not believe what the Mayans were able to build with no wheel power, just their hands. We were very lucky to get a local historian as our tour guide. We left there feeling like we had completed a university-level history course on the Mayans, which I had taken before, but I never felt like I knew the history until I got there.

Make sure to wear your best walking shoes, as that is all there is too do. Pay the extra money and fly in, as the bus ride is 3 hours and there is nothing to see on the way. You want as much time as you can while you are there. There are many areas to see, and after your tour, you will want to go and explore more and climb the temple. There is a lot of additional information inside the museum that is well worth your time as well, but the ruins really are a sight to be seen.

From journal Reef Club Cozumel

Chichen Itza

  • August 2, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Silverfox from Orem, Utah
One of the most famous of the Mayan Ruins, this place is a MUST SEE if you are travelling to Mexico anytime soon. The large temple that lies in the center of the ruins is just breathtaking, not to mention 99 steps high at a 45 degree angle! The ballfield is well-known for its musical acoustics, and the cenote well draws mystery to the childlike imagination. An experience unlike any other.

From journal Carribean Getaway

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