The curiosities about Chichen Itza reveal some secrets hidden in this incredible Mayan city located in the Yucatán peninsula, in Mexico. A place rich in history and culture, which despite being very famous in the world, not everyone knows it completely, but without a doubt many will want to visit at least once in their life. So if you are one of them, here we bring you some curiosities about Chichen Itza that you may not know but that will surprise you and leave you wanting to know this amazing place.
1. There is a cenote below the main pyramid of Kukulkán
This is one of the most recent curiosities about Chichen Itza, since the discovery of the cenote under the Kukulkán pyramid (also called El Castillo) occurred in August 2015. It was a finding that caused confusion among researchers, but according to expert archaeologists, the Mayans knew of the existence of this cenote. So they intentionally built the pyramid over it, as they tried to represent the universe in their constructions.
Another interesting fact is that it is the fifth cenote found in the area of the pyramid. The other four are located equidistantly in each of the cardinal points from the Kukulkán pyramid.
2. The Kukulkán pyramid has a total of 365 steps
The Kukulkán pyramid is the most famous and emblematic symbol of the Mayan culture, but what not everyone knows is that it is a pyramid at the top of which there is a temple dedicated to the Mayan god Kukulkán. The pyramid consists of four stairs, each with 91 steps that add up to 364, but adding the upper platform we have 365 steps in total.
The huge pyramid functioned as a great calendar. Where each step of the pyramid represented the days of the Mayan calendar of Haab. Which surprisingly fits perfectly with the Gregorian calendar, which is the one we use currently. In fact, each side represented a season and it was used to determine the best times to sow seeds and harvest crops.
3. Chichen Itza is one of the Seven Wonders of the World
In addition to having been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Chichen Itza is classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. A recognition it received in 2007, according to an international vote organized by the private company New World Corporation. That in spite of not having the support of UNESCO, it counted with the participation of more than 100 million people through the internet.
4. The monuments of Chichen Itza were aligned astronomically
The Mayans were devoted astronomers and the movements of the planets had a special meaning for them. This is evident in how and why they built their monuments. In Chichen Itza, for example, you can see a round observatory known as El Caracol, which was used specifically to measure the positions of the planets and the sun.
5. The main pyramid has smaller pyramids inside
This is one of the curiosities about Chichen Itza, which is more interesting. Well, similar to what happens with Russian dolls, the Kukulkán pyramid, 30 meters high, houses two smaller pyramids within itself. These are pyramids of 20 meters and 10 meters high respectively.
The smallest of the pyramids was built between 550 and 800 A.D., while the second, discovered in the 1930s, was completed between 800 and 1000 A.D., although it is not known why they were built this way, but it is believed that it was because the first one was damaged or deteriorated by the passage of time and another pyramid had to be built on top of it.
There is also the possibility that this structure was created on the occasion of the arrival of a new ruler. As a way of eliminating the traces of the previous ruler, thus building a pyramid of greater dimensions.
6. Chichen Itza gets its name from a nearby cenote
The Yucatán Peninsula is known for being full of natural cenotes. And specifically at the northern end of this archaeological site there is a large cenote also called Cenote Sagrado, which is believed to have been used for sacrificial purposes, since this great natural well was considered by the Mayans as one of the main entrances to Xibalbá, which is the name of their underworld.
That is why it is believed that the name Chichen Itza comes from the Mayan words “chi” (mouth), “che’en” (well), “itz” (magician or sorcerer) and “ha” (water). Therefore, Chichen Itza could be translated as “The mouth of the well of the sorcerers of the water”, in reference to this sacred cenote.
7. The descent of the Feathered Serpent
One of the most surprising curiosities about Chichen Itza, without a doubt is the descending Serpent. And it is that the Kukulkán pyramid was designed by Mayan architects, in such a way that during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadow projected on the sides of the staircase forms the body of one of their deities. We are talking about Kukulkán, the Feathered Serpent whose head is sculpted at the foot of the Pyramid.
The rolling shadow simulates the body of a snake and moves slowly downward as the sun sets until it merges with the head of the snake at the foot of the stairs. A surreal phenomenon very appreciated by local and foreign tourists.
8. The Sound of the Quetzal
There is an electroacoustic effect that occurs in front of a staircase of the main pyramid of Kukulkán in Chichen Itza. When a person applauds, the sound bounces back in the form of a distorted echo and generates a sound that simulates the singing of a Quetzal.
This attraction was discovered in the late 20th century by the site’s tour guides.
9. Chichen Itza is not completely Mayan
One of the curiosities about Chichen Itza, and that few know, is that it was not only one of the largest Mayan cities of pre-Columbian era, it was also the one with the greatest cultural diversity. This means that many buildings were built with influences from other social origins. It is believed that the Maya traded with other groups such as the Toltecs, and that is why they were able to bring their own style to the city.
ALFA