Mayapan
Mayapan was one of the last major cities of the Maya Civilization, located in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula in what is now the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Here are key aspects of Mayapan:
History
- Founded: Mayapan was established around the late 11th or early 12th century AD, following the decline of Chichen Itza.
- Capital: It became the political and cultural capital of the Maya region, particularly after the fall of Chichen Itza.
- Hegemony: Mayapan dominated the region for about 250 years, controlling trade routes and exerting political influence over other city-states.
- Decline: The city's decline started in the mid-15th century due to internal strife and rebellion. By 1441, Mayapan was sacked, and the political unity of the Yucatan disintegrated.
Architecture and Urban Layout
- City Plan: Mayapan was laid out in a planned grid pattern, one of the few Maya cities to do so, with its urban design influenced by Toltec architecture from Tula.
- Castillo: The most prominent structure, El Castillo de Mayapan, resembles El Castillo of Chichen Itza but is smaller.
- Defensive Structures: The city was surrounded by a defensive wall, which was unique among Maya cities, indicating a period of warfare or instability.
Political Structure
- Governance: It was ruled by a council of nobles, with a supreme leader known as the halach uinic, who was both a political and religious figure.
- Alliance: Mayapan formed part of a triple alliance with Uxmal and Chichen Itza, which controlled much of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cultural and Religious Aspects
- Religion: The worship of Kukulkan (the feathered serpent deity) was prominent, reflecting influences from central Mexican cultures.
- Art: Artifacts from Mayapan show a mix of Maya and Toltec styles, with sculptures and murals depicting both local deities and those from central Mexico.
- Astronomy: Like other Maya cities, Mayapan had an observatory, indicating the importance of celestial events in their calendar and religious practices.
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