ABOUT Dzibilchaltún
Located approximately 17 kilometers north of Mérida, the archaeological zone of Dzibilchaltún stands as one of the most enduring and significant settlements of the Maya civilization in Mexico. Originally named Ich Kaan Ti'Ho, this expansive city was a massive ceremonial hub composed of pyramids, temples, plazas, and stelae, covering roughly 25 hectares.
Etymology and Historical Timeline
The name Dzibilchaltún translates from the Maya language as "where there is writing on flat stones," a reference to the numerous engraved stelae found throughout the site.
The city boasts a remarkably long history of occupation:
Preclassic Period: Its development began around 600 B.C.
The Golden Age: During the Late Classic period between 800 and 1000 D.C., it became a regional power with over 25,000 inhabitants, dominating the northwestern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Postclassic Period: The city remained active until approximately 1100 D.C.
The Temple of the Seven Dolls and Archaeoastronomy
The most iconic structure at the site is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, so named because of seven small clay figurines discovered under the temple floor during excavations in the 1950s.
This building is globally recognized as a masterpiece of Maya archaeoastronomy. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the rising sun aligns with the temple's doorways, creating a stunning solar phenomenon. This alignment is considered a testament to the advanced mathematical and astronomical prowess of the Maya people.
Xlacah Cenote: A Natural Wonder
A unique feature of Dzibilchaltún is the Xlacah Cenote, an open-air sinkhole located within the archaeological zone. Meaning "Old Village" in Maya, this cenote served as the primary water source for the ancient population. It measures 100 meters long and reaches depths of up to 40 meters, and today, it remains a place where visitors can bathe.
The Museum of the Maya People
To provide a comprehensive look at this civilization, the site hosts the Museum of the Maya People. This facility houses approximately 700 archaeological and historical pieces that summarize 3,000 years of cultural development. Highlights of the collection include:
Stelae and inscriptions from Dzibilchaltún, as well as renowned sites like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
Ritual and daily objects, including ceramics, carved stone, and religious sculptures.
Post-conquest history, represented by the ruins of a 16th-century open chapel located on the grounds.
Dzibilchaltún is connected by a network of sacbés (pre-Hispanic white roads) that link the various architectural groups to the main plaza and the cenote, inviting modern explorers to walk the same paths as the ancient Maya.
Etymology and Historical Timeline
The name Dzibilchaltún translates from the Maya language as "where there is writing on flat stones," a reference to the numerous engraved stelae found throughout the site.
The city boasts a remarkably long history of occupation:
Preclassic Period: Its development began around 600 B.C.
The Golden Age: During the Late Classic period between 800 and 1000 D.C., it became a regional power with over 25,000 inhabitants, dominating the northwestern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Postclassic Period: The city remained active until approximately 1100 D.C.
The Temple of the Seven Dolls and Archaeoastronomy
The most iconic structure at the site is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, so named because of seven small clay figurines discovered under the temple floor during excavations in the 1950s.
This building is globally recognized as a masterpiece of Maya archaeoastronomy. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the rising sun aligns with the temple's doorways, creating a stunning solar phenomenon. This alignment is considered a testament to the advanced mathematical and astronomical prowess of the Maya people.
Xlacah Cenote: A Natural Wonder
A unique feature of Dzibilchaltún is the Xlacah Cenote, an open-air sinkhole located within the archaeological zone. Meaning "Old Village" in Maya, this cenote served as the primary water source for the ancient population. It measures 100 meters long and reaches depths of up to 40 meters, and today, it remains a place where visitors can bathe.
The Museum of the Maya People
To provide a comprehensive look at this civilization, the site hosts the Museum of the Maya People. This facility houses approximately 700 archaeological and historical pieces that summarize 3,000 years of cultural development. Highlights of the collection include:
Stelae and inscriptions from Dzibilchaltún, as well as renowned sites like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
Ritual and daily objects, including ceramics, carved stone, and religious sculptures.
Post-conquest history, represented by the ruins of a 16th-century open chapel located on the grounds.
Dzibilchaltún is connected by a network of sacbés (pre-Hispanic white roads) that link the various architectural groups to the main plaza and the cenote, inviting modern explorers to walk the same paths as the ancient Maya.
The Best Pictures of Dzibilchaltún
Videos of Dzibilchaltún
