Chichén Itzá
Title
Chichén Itzá
Publisher
Lawrence Technological University
Date Created
February 1, 2018
Alternative Title or Name
El Castillo
Temple of Kukulkan
Creator2
Aluzzo, Adrienne (photographer)
Work Type
Single Built Works
Date
c. 1000
Work Location
Mexico (nation)
Chichén Itzá (deserted settlement)
Style/Period
Late Classic
Subject
stepped pyramids
temples (buildings)
Description
View of El Castillo with square temple at top at Chichen Itza, Mexico. "El Castillo is centered in the Great Plaza, the northern part of Chichén Itzá. It is a large step pyramid dedicated to the deity Kukulkan, the feathered serpent. El Castillo has nine terraces and four staircases. A large square temple with four doorways sits atop its highest terrace. It towers 30 meters above the Great Plaza with a base of 55 meters on four sides. It is made of cut limestone blocks atop a rubble-fill core. El Castillo has 91 steps on each side for a total of 365 steps, equal to the number of days in the year under the solar Haab calendar - one of two the Maya used; the 2 equinoxes and 2 solstices each year occur at 91-day intervals. At sunset on the equinoxes (spring and fall), a special phenomenon can be observed at El Castillo - the interplay of light and shadow from the sun's position make it appear that a serpent is slowly snaking down the balustrades of the staircase; this was likely designed as a visual cue for the proper time to do agricultural ceremonies, harvest, and plant new crops, Deep within this pyramid lies the Jaguar Throne room. It was dedicated to the deity Kukulkan, the feathered serpent"--CyArk website.
Material/Medium
stone (worked rock)
limestone
Measurements
75 feet tall
Reproduction Type
jpeg
Copyright Statement
©2013 Lawrence Technological University. These images may be used for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes without the explicit permission of LTU.
ID Number
2017MX-094
Files
