Chichen Itza
The expansion and severe contraction periods of a great boom followed by periods of cyclical collapse characterize the history of Maya lowlands. Many theories about the disappearance of the Mayan civilization are counterposed, some researchers suggest that Mayas may have been down to environmental factors, starvation, dehydration, disease, social disintegration, climate conditions, migration, war and [...]
A labyrinth of caves and underground rivers lies deep in the heart of the limestone landscape of the Yucatán. In ancient times, cenotes or sinkholes, which form when cave roofs weaken and subside, were the only source of fresh water for area inhabitants and settlements were located near these natural wells.
Apart from being a life-giving [...]
Pok ta Pok; The Mayan Ball Game
Athletes or Worshipers?
The Popol Vuh, the holy book of the Quiché Maya, relates a confrontation story between good and evil, represented with a ballgame. This Mesoamerican ballgame played a mysterious and very important role throughout pre-Hispanic civilizations, with a symbolic struggle between opposing forces, featuring an outcome governed by [...]
Twice a year, on March 21 and September 21, the sun makes a shadow on the side of the stairs on the North side of El Castillo Pyramid in Chichen Itza forming a snake. This, used to be the sign for the Mayas to start planting the corn. This event is called The Equinox.
The fall [...]
