Religion at Chichen Itza

Chichén Itza, now considered to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, has provided the modern world with an incredible inside look at Mayan life. With stunning architecture and an enticing history it is no wonder archaeologists have flocked to this age-old site that was once the epicentre of Mayan civilisation in the Yucatán peninsula, Mexico. Thanks to the radiocarbon dating of wooden beams, Chichén Itza is thought to have been constructed by the Mayans at the dawn of the 7th century1. It thrived as a religious and trading hub for hundreds of years, specifically between the 10th and the 16th century, which came coincidentally with the Toltec invasion and the arrival of Kukulcan2. Of all the archaeological ruins in Chichén Itza, El Castillo, otherwise known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, was one of the most recent additions to this ancient city. It was built about a hundred years after the Toltec’s invaded in the late 10th century.3
‘The Mayans revolutionary understanding of astronomy can be seen during the spring and fall equinox’ It is common belief that the Mayans developed the first solar calendar, but what most people don’t realise is how the entirety of El Castillo conveys this deep level of scientific understanding. El Castillo in its simplest form is a solar calendar due to each of its four sides having 91 steps, this including the altar ads up to 365, the full length of a Mayan solar year. 4Another distinguishing feature of this pyramid that highlights the Mayans revolutionary understanding of astronomy can be seen during the spring and fall equinox every year. As the sun sets, a play of light and shadow creates the appearance of a snake that gradually slithers down the stairway of the pyramid to reach the large snake-head sculptures carved into the base of the stairway5. This descent signifies the Mayan god of creation, Kulkulcan, who was believed to have come down from the heavens and ruled over the people of Chichén Itza.6