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Chichen-Itza is a sacred city in Maya located 75 miles east of Merida, the Capital of the State of Yucatan, Mexico. It is rated among the most important of the Maya culture and archaeological site. Chichen-Itza covers an area of approximately six square miles where hundreds of buildings once stood.
The ruins in Chichen-Itza are divided into two groups. One group belongs to the classic Maya Period and was built between the 7th and 10th centuries A.D. During this time the city became a prominent ceremonial center. The other group belongs to the Maya-Toltec Period. This area includes the Sacred Well and most of the outstanding ruins.
Chichen-Itza was largely an agricultural city. During the Central Phase of the Classic Period, referred to as Florescence, (625 -800 A.D.) arts and sciences flourished here. During this time the city became a religious center of great importance. This is proved by the fact that buildings like the Red House, the House of the Deer, the Nunnery and its Annex, the Church, the Akab Dzib, the Temple of the Three Lintels and the House of Phalli came up in quick succession.
At the end of 800 to 925 A.D., the foundations of this magnificent civilization weakened. Maya abandoned their religion centers and the rural land around them. New, smaller centers were built. Great cities like Chichen-Itza were visited only to perform religious rites or bury the dead. The Itza people abandoned their city by the end of which time? and lived on the west coast of the peninsula for about 250 years. However, by the 10th century A.D. they returned to Chichen-Itza.
Around 1000 A.D. the Itza aligned with two powerful tribes, Xio and Cocom. Both were the descendants of the Mexicans. This alliance suited the Itza for two centuries. During this time, the people of Chichen-Itza beautified the site by constructing magnificent buildings.
Chichen Itza also has a variety of other structures. These include High Priest's Temple, Las Monjas, The Red House, The House of the Deer, El Caracol and the Akab Dzib.
travel.mapsofworld.com. provides detailed information on Chichen Itza
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