Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza was a major focal point in the Northern Maya Lowlands from the Late Classic (c. 600–900 AD) through the Terminal Classic (c. 800–900 AD) and into the early portion of the Postclassic period (c. 900–1200 AD) [1]. The Maya name "Chichén Itzá" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itzá" [1]. Chichen Itza is located in the eastern portion of the Mexican state of Yucatán [1]. Between 900 and 1050 AD Chichen Itza expanded to become a powerful regional capital controlling north and central Yucatán [1]. The earliest hieroglyphic date discovered at Chichen Itza is equivalent to 832 AD, while the last known date was recorded in the Osario temple in 998 [1]. Archeological data now indicates that Chichen Itza declined as a regional center by 1100 [1]. Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities, with the relatively densely clustered architecture of the site core covering an area of at least 5 square kilometers [1]. Dominating the North Platform of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulcán [1].