I already gave a history lesson a couple months ago for Chichen Itza, last time I was there. The pyramid I’m standing in front of is named El Castillo, another name being the temple of Kulkulcán. (The Maya’s version of the feathered serpent.) During the spring and autumn equinox, the shadows casted from the stairs to the pyramid follow the head of the plumed serpent’s statue at the bottom of the steps. The shadows shift up and down with the light resembling a silhouette of the serpent along the pyramid. 🐍 Another highly important figure at this site was the rain god, Chaac. Theories to why the Mayas left Chichen Itza has to do with drought, being that they were not near a body of water other than cenotes depending on rain- it’s only fitting they focused and praised the rain deity in this time. There is a sacred cenote nearby that has artifacts used in ritual- thrown in to the waters along with sacrifice for the rain god Chaac. (It just so happened that it was raining the morning of this photo, the gods might be delayed lol. 🤗 🌧) #chichenitza #elcastillo #maya #mayan #history #archaeology #pyramids #travelblogger #travelblog #mayanpyramids #travel (at Chichén-Itzá) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHrAokvki4/?utm_medium=tumblr
