The 1922 restoration of Chichen Itza's pyramid was originally methodical using original stones, but the Mexican government then imposed reconstruction plans not based on evidence. The restoration was taken over—large portions were rebuilt with newly cut stone. The top temple was presented as ancient with no indication it was modern reconstruction.
Chichén Itzá pyramid reconstruction lacked archaeological evidence
MexicoConservation
Key facts
- Only two sides of the pyramid were restored to perfect condition; the other two remain in rougher condition
- Restoration in 1922 by Miguel Angel Fernandez was originally methodical using original stones
- Mexican government imposed reconstruction plans not based on evidence of original appearance but composites from other Maya sites
- Fernandez refused and left the project; large portions were rebuilt from scratch using newly cut stone
- The temple at the top was reconstructed and presented as ancient with no indication of modern reconstruction
Site mentioned
Sources
Chichen Itza - Mexico, Pyramid & Factshistory.com
A number of important structures of the original city remain standing, some thanks to restoration efforts on the part of the Mexican government.
A Disappointing Day at the Grand Chichen Itzajauntingjen.com
It was the most disappointing of all of our visits to Mayan ruins. Sure the pyramid is impressive, but the site is grossly over-hyped.
Then and Now: Temple of Kukulcan at Chichén Itzá, Mexicoespc.substack.com
At the same time, the Mexican government excavated and restored El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán) and the Great Ball Court. Excavations were ...
The Secrets, Stories, and Stones of Chichén Itzámontecristomagazine.com
The ancient stones of Chichén Itzá reveal the complex history of Mayan civilization on a trip to Mexico's Yucatán.
Timeline of restoration: Chichen Itza (Mexico) - RTFre-thinkingthefuture.com
Fallen stone pieces were meticulously put together by skilled artisans and repair experts, according closely to the traditional Maya construction techniques. To ...
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