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A Walking Tour of Chichén Itzá

By , About.com Guide

Chichén Itzá, one of best known archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, has a split personality. The site is located in the northern Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, about 90 miles from the coast. The south half of the site, called Old Chichén, was constructed beginning about 700 AD, by Maya emigres from the Puuc region of southern Yucatan. The Itza built temples and palaces at Chichén Itzá including the Red House (Casa Colorada) and the Nunnery (Casa de las Monejas). The Toltec component of Chichén Itzá arrived from Tula and their influence can be seen in the the Osario (the High Priest's Grave), and the Eagle and Jaguar Platforms. Most interestingly, a cosmopolitan blending of the two created the Observatory (the Caracol) and the Temple of the Warriors.

Photographers for this project include Jim Gateley, Ben Smith, Dolan Halbrook, Oscar Anton, and Leonardo Palotta

A list of references used for this project is available for further reading on Chichén Itzá.
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Perfectly Puuc - Puuc House at Chichen ItzaPerfectly Puuc - Puuc Style Architecture at Chichén ItzáChac or Witz Masks on Building Facade, Chichen Itza, MexicoChac Masks - Masks of the Rain GodEl Castillo - Chichen ItzaTotally Toltec - Toltec Architectural Styles at Chichen ItzaLa Iglesia (the Church), Chichen Itza, MexicoLa Iglesia (The Church)
The High Priest's Grave (Osario or Ossuary) at Chichen ItzaThe High Priest's Grave (Osario or Ossuary)Wall of Skulls (Tzompantli), Chichen Itza, MexicoWall of Skulls (Tzompantli)Temple of the Warriors, Chichen ItzaTemple of the WarriorsThe Market (Mercado) at Chichen ItzaEl Mercado (The Market)
Temple of the Bearded Man, Chichen ItzaGreat Ball Court - Temple of the Bearded ManGreat Ball Court and Temple of the Jaguars, Chichen Itza, MexicoGreat Ball Court and Temple of the JaguarsCarved Stone Ring, Great Ball Court, Chichen Itza, MexicoStone Ring at Ball CourtCaracol (The Observatory), Chichen Itza, MexicoEl Caracol (The Observatory)
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