History has been good to us! For families who're looking for a historical vacation, an ancient kind, the Americas alone brags some of the most spectacular cities from the ancient world.
The Anasazis, the Incas, the Mayas, Aztecs, and Olmecs — all of them were master architects, astronomers and mathematicians, with their cities showcasing their art of building cities. No doubt, human achievement is fleeting, but the tides of time do bring us face to face with fragments of past achievements.
So, the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico (southeast of Merida)is a miracle of ancient achievement. You'll be surprised to know how the Mayas settled and adapted to the hostile nature of this region. The region consists of merely a few inches of soil on hard limestone and receives little moisture. However, the adaptability of the Mayas is sensational!
Chichen Itza was developed as a powerful city and trade center dealing in for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, which reached its pinnacle from circa 800 to 1200.
What's most prominent here, today, is the ruin of El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory. Did you know that Chichen Itza has one of the largest ball-playing courts of the Mayan world. This is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the city. A bas-relief at the site depicts the captain of a losing team being decapitated before the ruling-class audience. Another cool sight here is the the image of a serpent created by shadows on Kukulan Pyramid.
So, next time when you think about Mexico, think beyond Cancun and Acapulco!!
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