The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, also known as the Artemision , was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a grand temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, fertility, and childbirth. The temple was located in the ancient city of Ephesus , which is now modern-day Turkey . The construction of the temple began in the 6th century BC , during the reign of King Croesus of Lydia. It was designed by the Greek architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes . The temple was built on a marshy plain near the river Cayster, and it was raised on a platform to prevent flooding. The temple was made of marble and was adorned with sculptures and decorations. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The first temple was destroyed by a flood in 550 BC , and it was rebuilt by Croesus . The second temple was destroyed by arson in 356 BC , and it was rebuilt by Alexander the Great. The third te
Chichén Itzá is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is one of the most visited and well-known Mayan ruins in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
History
Chichén Itzá was founded in the 6th century AD by the Maya civilization. It was a major economic and political center in the region until it was conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century. The Toltecs brought with them their own architectural and artistic styles, which can be seen in the buildings and sculptures at Chichén Itzá.
The site was abandoned in the 15th century, and it was not until the 19th century that it was rediscovered by archaeologists. Since then, extensive restoration and excavation work has been carried out, revealing the impressive structures that we see today.
Architecture
Chichén Itzá is known for its impressive architecture, which combines Mayan and Toltec styles. The most famous structure at the site is the Temple of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo. This pyramid-like structure stands 98 feet tall and has four sides, each with 91 steps. When the sun sets on the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow in the shape of a serpent appears on the side of the pyramid, which is said to represent the god Kukulcan.
Another impressive building at Chichén Itzá is the Temple of the Warriors, which is adorned with hundreds of columns and sculptures. The Great Ball Court is also a must-see attraction, with its massive walls and stone rings that were used for a traditional Mesoamerican ball game.
Other notable structures at Chichén Itzá include the Observatory, the Nunnery, and the Temple of the Jaguar.
Visiting Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is located about 120 miles west of Cancun, and it is easily accessible by car or bus. The site is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and admission is around $25 USD.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the site is quite large and can be hot and humid. It is also recommended to hire a guide or take a tour, as there is a lot of history and symbolism behind the structures that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye.
In conclusion, Chichén Itzá is a fascinating and impressive archaeological site that is well worth a visit. Its unique blend of Mayan and Toltec architecture, combined with its rich history and cultural significance, make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and world heritage sites.
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