November 5, 2010

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Chichen Itza, maya civilization, mayas, mayan, aztecs, Mexico

Chichen Itza is considered the most important archaeological zone in the Maya region of the world. It is located 149 km from Cancun, the direction of Merida, it extends for about 2.5 km from north to south, and rose at the end of the classical period to the year 900 AD until the beginning of Post Classic in 1200. Rediscovered in 1842, is just the beginning of the century that the restoration of one of its recovery is one of the most important and valuable of the Mayan culture and basically humanity.

El Caracol or Observatory, built in the late classical period, had a camera that has allowed the observation of the vernal equinox. All this must have been fully used in the twentieth century before the arrival of the Itza, indicating the existence of important astronomical knowledge.

A significant number of pilgrimages to the city of Chichen Itza in the Maya region including Palenque, Cozumel, Izamal, there was at that time. These people left a lot of deals that have been discovered in the sacred cenote.

Later, around 1000, arriving Toltecs from central Mexico. They bring to the region the god of the "feathered serpent" known as Quetzalcoatl and referred to as Kukulcan by the Mayas. It is at this moment that the first great blend or mixture of races and cultures that occur between Mayas and Toltecs, creates a very important group that enriches enormously the religion, art and culture in the region.

Adoption of the Mayan language, this group is one of the most powerful of ancient Mexico. Through its highly developed knowledge of natural resources, astronomy, mathematics, painting, sculpture, writing and other human activities, the Maya flourished them in one of the most advanced civilizations of their time.

It is then that the next constructive phase corresponding to the flowering of the Mayan-Toltec performed, represented in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Kukulcan or El Castillo (The Castle), and all major buildings like the Temple of the Warriors The market, the platform of the Jaguars and Eagles and the Ball Game. This whole area is known as Chichen Itza or Toltec, which also includes former Sacred Cenote by means of a well-defined, large Sacbé (path) of El Castillo.

It is a temple dedicated to the Sun, the strong influence of the Toltecs, which was built over a temple in which a minor was a representative of a jaguar throne, on which rested a solar disk made of turquoise and obsidian. It is as if the Sun Temple was only based on the Jaguar.

This important architectural relationship signals a mixture of gods who do not lose their significance for the Maya-Toltec who live together in a form of colonization, it has never been attempted at any other time in human history. Chichen Itza is expanding its power throughout the Yucatan Peninsula to the year 1250, when, although there is a coherent theory, the city was abandoned to become a sanctuary for worship of the god Kukulcan, even long after the Spanish conquest.

In fact, today it remains a sacred place for many people seeking the influence of nature gods who live there. One of the biggest attractions is the observation of the equinoxes in March and 21st September 22. It is then that of a snake from El Castillo can be witnessed.

Similarly, the sound and light show held daily from 8:00 pm is a must for anyone visiting the area.The archeological site open daily from 8 am to 5:00 pm Admission is free on Sundays and are several tours that leave the big cities such as Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen and Chetumal or you can go directly with a rental car.

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• Mayan ruins of Mayapan
• Mayan ruins, Ek Balam
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April 18, 2010

1200 B.C.-250 A.D.

Preclassic Small sedentary villages followed by development of monumentality and larger centers.

ca. 600-900 B.C.

Earliest known habitation at Caracol.

ca. A.D. 70

Structure A6-1st, “Temple of the Wooden Lintel,” constructed and consecrated; locus B34 burial; full Maya ritual complex present at Caracol.

ca. A.D. 150

Elaborate burial placed in Structure B34 locus.

A.D. 250-900

Classic “Peak” of Maya civilization; pyramids, tombs, inscriptions, widespread trade; by A.D. 800 Maya “collapse” is underway.

A.D. 331

Caracol Royal dynasty “officially” founded.

ca. A.D. 480

Unknown ruler’s tomb placed in Structure D16.

A.D. 531

Accession of Lord Water’s predecessor.

A.D. 537

Use of initial tomb in Structure B20-3rd.

A.D. 553

Accession of Caracol Ruler Lord Water.

A.D. 556

“Axe-Event” involving Tikal.

A.D. 562

“Star-War” defeat of Tikal by Caracol.

A.D. 575

Birth of Smoke Ahau.

A.D. 577

One of three tombs in Structure B20-2nd used.

A.D. 577 or 582

Front tomb in Structure A34 consecrated.

A.D. 588

Birth of Caracol Ruler Kan II.

A.D. 599

Accession of Caracol Lord Smoke Ahau.

A.D. 614

Tomb in Structure L3-2nd covered.

A.D. 618

Accession of Kan II.

A.D. 626-636

Naranjo wars; major expansion of Caracol follows.

A.D. 634

Woman’s tomb in Structure B19-2nd closed.

A.D. 658

Accession of Caracol Ruler Smoke Skull; Death of Kan II.

A.D. 680

Naranjo’s war of independence.

A.D. 696

Tomb in Structure A3-1st covered.

A.D. 702

Capture of Ixkun lord noted on Stela 21.

A.D. 800

Capture of 3 prisoners, including Ucanal lord, by Caracol Ruler Hok K’awil or his underlings.

A.D. 859

Last recorded date at Caracol on Stela 10.

A.D. 900-1500

Postclassic Most major sites located away from Classic Period centers, but near water. Sites are generally characterized by low-lying as opposed to monumental architecture.

ca. A.D. 1050

Last use of Caracol Structure A6; Caracol totally abandoned.

A.D. 1500-present

“Historic” Europeans arrive in the New World; most native Maya populations disseminated by disease; others disrupted by warfare and forced population movements. Native populations still comprise over 50% of Guatemala and Yucatan.

*Timeline revised from A. Chase and D. Chase 1996

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March 26, 2010

Of all the awesome Belize Maya sites, Caracol would have to be one of the top in terms of importance and grandeur. This once great Mayan city-state from the Maya Classic era is one of the countrys largest archaeological sites, and it also boasts the tallest manmade structure in the land. Caracol, or El Caracol as it is locally known, rests in the foothills of Belizes Maya Mountains at an elevation of around 1,500 feet. In Spanish, El Caracol means “the snail”, and its not entirely clear as to this why this appellation was applied. This largest of Belize Maya sites is just 25 miles south of San Ignacio, which is the capital of the tourist-friendly Cayo District, and you can easily organize tours to this, and other ancient Maya sites in the region. There is a nice picnic area at the entrance site for the Caracol Belize ruins, so you might pack a lunch for the trip. If you want to drive here yourself, its a good idea to rent a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the June-December wet season.

Like other ancient Maya sites in Belize, El Caracol was long- inhabited before large-scale construction began. Its believed that the first Maya settlers here arrived as early as 1200 BC. It wasnt until the Maya Classic era (300-800 AD) that the bulk of the significant building went on here. The sequence of past El Caracol rulers is traced through evidence linked to more than 40 structures that were built between the years 485-889 AD. El Caracol was without question one of the largest cities in the ancient Mayan world, and its estimated that at its peak, some 180,000 people may have lived in or near town. There is evidence to believe that Caracol may have conquered Tikal in 562 AD, and this year certainly coincides with the beginning of what is known as the Tikal Mid-Classic Hiatus. While Caracols population and consistent sprawl increased at this time, Tikal saw a significant decline in its population and monument construction. Visiting both El Caracol and Tikal today lends so much insight into how the ancient Maya lived. It also reveals just how advanced their building and artistry skills were.

Youll certainly want to consider dropping in on Caracol when thinking about which Belize Maya sites to visit, if not for the Caana alone. At just under 140 feet tall, the Caana is Caracols main temple-pyramid, and atop it you will find 3 smaller temples. Numerous small structures can be observed on a Caracol tour, and youll enjoy wandering about the three main plazas. There are two separate ball courts that youll want to take notice of, and its always a good idea to drop in on the Visitors Center. Besides getting pertinent information on the site at the VC, you can check out the collection of Maya artifacts, among which is an intriguing ceremonial altar. Unlike other significant ancient Maya sites like Tikal and Xunantunich, Caracol still remains largely un-excavated. In recent years, however, the focus has been to make Caracol one of the top Maya attractions in the country. Dry season excavations are aimed at recovering more of El Caracol from the jungle bit by bit, and increased trails and information signs are in the works for the area. Interestingly enough, Caracol is found within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which is a joy for Nature-lovers to explore. The gigantic Ceiba trees here are certainly bound to mesmerize.

Should you plan a visit to the Caracol Belize ruins, you might also consider a few side trips to some of the other interesting destinations in the area. Western Belize, and namely the Cayo District, is known for having the best Belize caves to explore. Close to Caracol, the Rio Frio Cave is one of the easiest ones to reach and explore, and you dont even need a flashlight during the day. Swimming, hiking, picnicking, and just having a good time is usually part of the deal at Rio on Pools, which is close enough to El Caracol to toss into the plans. The natural, granite-boulder pools here are certainly refreshing, and sliding down the smoothed rock waterfalls is a blast. Caracol is open seven days a week, and there is a small fee to enter. Admission is reportedly free on Sundays, and overall, it doesnt seem to get too crowded here very often, which is a nice bonus. This might begin to change, however, as word gets out about how great of a destination El Caracol is.

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• About Caracol
• Maya Prehistory and Caracol
• Description of Words
• For the archaeological work in and around Caracol