Chichen Itza- A Toltec Impression

          On my most recent adventure, I took a trip through Chichen Itza and Tula, Mexico, comparing them on how their architectural forms are similar, but also different. By doing this exploration I was able to learn more about the relevancy of a Toltec occupation of Chichen Itza. For this trip I used Google Maps as a guide for a first-hand view.

          As I began my trip, I started at Pyramid B in Tula. This pyramid is located on the Eastern side of Mexico, and is most noted for its architecture and stylistic figures. This area was founded by the Toltecs. After learning a bit about the Toltec history, I was able to dive in and learn about the architecture. Toltec architecture was influenced significantly by militaristic actions and religion. The theme of war is very relevant in the art work on the walls, telling stories. In addition, the temples had horizontal roofs, and were made of limestone. The architecture and stone figures were monumental in the fact that they gave the ancient civilization precision and grace.

 

          What I found really fascinating was something called the Telamon of Tula. These are large figurines standing nearly five meters tall on top of the pyramid, representing the Toltec gods. It is speculated that these used to be exquisite columns for a roof that previously existed. All in all, the large size of the pyramid, the precision of design, the intricate columns, and the overall build with a flat roof, sloping style stairs, and the themes of war and religion built into the walls, tells me a lot about the Toltec beliefs and their architectural mentalities that may have transformed Chichen Itza into what it stood for.

          As for Chichen Itza (meaning at the mouth of the well of Itza), it was one of the larger Mayan cities, in Mesoamerica. The city with a diverse population, had many unique architectural styles, and some monumental buildings describing the activities that occurred in the area. The building I am exploring today is the Temple of the Warriors. This temple was known for its great gatherings. This same temple was built of four platforms, surrounded on the south and west sides by nearly 200 round and square columns. These columns are ironically carved with Toltec warriors giving myself the first reason of why Chichen Itza may be a Toltec site. The temple also had the class ramp style that Chichen Itza was known for, allowing for an open stairway up the structure.

         

          When comparing this temple to Pyramid B in Tula, there are some direct correlations showing the Toltec influence. Firstly, all of the columns located within the area are representations of Toltec warriors, which shows the direct influence of the Toltec people.  The temple from a structural standpoint, also has a flat roof like Pyramid B in Tula. In addition, they both have the ramped staircase and the vertical walls, which is very common in Mayan architecture, and shows the stylistic appearance of the time period. One of the biggest symbolic differences I found was that of the serpent representations on top of the pyramid. From all of these similarities, and few differences, it is clear that from the structural layout of stone walls, military and religious design, and artistic columns and artistic expressions, this architecture has come from the same influence.

          Therefore, after visiting these fascinating sites, I can conclude that due to the structural and architectural similarities between Pyramid B and the Temple of Warriors, Chichen Itza is of Toltec dominance. That is all from this trip, but stay tuned for my next adventure!