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Chichen Itza Research Paper

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Chichen Itza Research Paper
The Great Mayan City of Chichen Itza Chichen Itza, one of the oldest cities known in the Western Hemisphere, has been fascinating people for over thousands of years. It's size and beauty remains unmatched by almost all standards. Chichen Itza is an ancient city located on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is home to some of the most astonishing structures on earth. Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city with more history than anyone could imagine.
Another aspect of Chichen Itza, the symbol of the Maya, has withstood the test of time for over a thousand years. The Maya built Chichen Itza around 750 A.D, and lasted until about 1200 A.D (NatIonal Geographic). It was the home to over 50,000 people at the peak time of the city (Hidden Cancun). During the peak of the Mayan empire, Chichen Itza was the urban center of the Maya. If someone were to go back a thousand years, they would see a huge number of people and shops running all around the city. The name "Chichen Itza" originates from a large sinkhole called by the Maya the Sacred Cenote (ancient.eu). Cenotes were sacred to the people of the Maya; they were …show more content…
El Castillo was constructed by the Maya at approximately 1050 A.D (National Geographic). It is a marvel of ancient engineering; not only the size of the pyramid, but the intelligence needed to creat a structure like it. First of all, there are 91 steps on each of the four sides of the pyramid, and with the top step it totals 365 (National Geographic). This represents the 365 days of the year. Another feature developed into the pyramid is the Serpent of the Equinox. Every spring and fall equinox the light reflects just right on the pyramid, and forms a huge serpent that appears to be moving down the pyramid (ancient.eu). El Castillo is a very complex and sophisticated pyramid that symbolizes the entire Maya
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