Chichen Itza

Quick Facts: Who was Chichen Itza?

Subject:

Chichen Itza

Known for:

Major pre-Columbian Maya city in Yucatán, known for its diverse architecture and cenotes.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period. The archeological site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán, Mexico, between the cities of Valladolid and Mérida. Chichen Itza was a major focal point in the Northern Maya Lowlands from the Late Classic (c. 600–900 AD) through the Terminal Classic (c. 800–900 AD) and into the early portion of the Postclassic period (c. 900–1200 AD). The site exhibits a multitude of architectural styles, reminiscent of styles seen in central Mexico and of the Puuc and Chenes styles of the Northern Maya lowlands. The presence of central Mexican styles was once thought to have been representative of direct migration or even conquest from central Mexico, but most contemporary interpretations view the presence of these non-Maya styles more as the result of cultural diffusion.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities and it was likely to have been one of the mythical great cities, or Tollans, referred to in later Mesoamerican literature. The city may have had the most diverse population in the Maya world, a factor that could have contributed to the variety of architectural styles at the site. The ruins of Chichen Itza are federal property, and the site's stewardship is maintained by Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History, INAH). The land under the monuments had been privately owned until 29 March 2010, when it was purchased by the state of Yucatán. Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archeological sites in Mexico, with over 2.6 million tourists in 2017.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Maya name "Chichén Itzá" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itzá". This derives from chi', meaning "mouth" or "edge", and chʼen or chʼeʼen, meaning "well". Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage group that gained political and economic dominance of the northern peninsula. One possible translation for Itzá is "enchanter (or enchantment) of the water", from its (itz), "sorcerer", and ha, "water". The name is spelled Chichén Itzá in Spanish, and the accents are sometimes maintained in other languages to show that both parts of the name are stressed on their final syllable.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2010: 2010 Milestone — The land under the monuments had been privately owned until 29 March 2010, when it was purchased by the state of Yucatán.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Chichen Itza

True or False: “The primary source of water for Chichen Itza was surface rivers flowing through the Yucatán Peninsula.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Due to the karst geology, the city relied entirely on accessing groundwater via sinkholes (cenotes) rather than visible surface rivers.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Chichen Itza