Mayan ruins of Chichen itza part of the Maya civilization

Chichen Itza, pronounced chee-chehn eet-sah is the capital of Yucatan State, Mexico. This is the ancient sacred Mayan city of Itza whose name translates as ‘mouth of the Well of Itza’. In the Mayan language Chi means mouth, Chen means well and Itza is just the name given to the tribe who inhabit the area.

Kukulkan's Pyramid
Probably the most recognised attraction of the Mayan ruins of Chichen itza this magnificent pyramid is called ‘El Castillo del Serpiente Emplumado’ meaning ‘Castle of the Plumed Serpent’. When the pyramid was in its original state it had 4 stairways, one on each side, each with 91 steps. This makes a total of 364 steps, add this to the one common step and you get a total of 365 steps, possibly one for each day of the year. There is a general misconception that the one common step is the one all around the top, but it is my understanding that the common step is the ground and the people of Maya had an advanced number system that started at zero. Either way there are 365 which could be a direct representation of the number of days in the year.

Further to enhance the theory that this building has a strong link to the calendar there is a phenomenon that happens twice a year on the spring and autumn equinox. The light shines in such a way that it lights up seven triangular shapes down one side of the El Castillo pyramid. This is said to represent the body of a serpent which cascades down the pyramid until it joins the carved serpents head at the foot of the stairway. If this was intended during construction, and there is no evidence to suggest otherwise, you have got to admit this is amazing.

Another interesting fact about the pyramid is its acoustic properties and how it affects sound made in front of the steps. If you visit chichén itzá often jokingly referred to by visitors as Chicken pizza your guide will no doubt show you this but if he doesnt or you don’t go with a guide make sure you try this out. Stand anywhere in front of the steps (can be quite a way away) and clap, instead of hearing a clapping noise you will hear a kind of twanging noise. This is said to be the echo of the Quetzal bird chirping back at you from the top of the main pyramid. There are a number of videos on youTube if you want to here this noise for yourself, here is an example if it is still active chitchen its bird sound on youtube