One of the most remarkable archeological sites found in the 20th Century is Parque Nacional de Chichen Itza. More than 30 buildings were found in what was once estimated to be a city of more than 100,000. Many believe that the park's main attraction is the central pyramid, El Castillo del Serpiente Emplumado, which means "Castle of the Plumed Serpent." However, there are remains of temples and an observatory that marked the passage of Venus through the skies. The main pyramid is a calendary device that has unique properties during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes.
The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are over 1500 years old and are located only 75 miles from Merida. The name Chichen-Itza is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the witch water). Some say this is because people were often thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers. [edit text][editors]
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