Chichen-Itza and the Summer Solstice

Chichen-Itza, legendary Mayan city, due to its strategic location, was very powerful, military and commercially,  for over 300 years.  Located in the middle and surrounded by other buildings we find the imposing Temple of Kukulcan, or “The Castle” as it is known.

This important pyramid allowed the Mayans to determine quite accurately de changing of the Seasons.  The equinox determines  the arrival of Spring and Autumn;  and the Summer Solstice clearly marks the middle of the year.  Between 7:15 and 7:30 in the morning of June 21st or 22nd, half the pyramid is dark while the other half shines with the light from the Sun.

In Winter, nevertheless, it is the other way around.  This phenomenom happens between 7:15 and 7:30 at night on December 21st or 22nd, when the western and southern sides are alight with the Sun and the eastern and northern sides are dark.

This pyramid was deliberately built for this, and the more we know, the more we are amazed at their incredible knowledge of mathematics and astrology.

If you can, try to visit this magical place, now one of the Wonders of the Modern World.