Introduction and History of Chichen Itzá:
*Introduction*
1. *Geographic location*: Chichen Itzá is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, in the state of Yucatan, 120 km from Mérida.
2. *Coordinates*: 20°40′59′′ N, 88°34′07′′ O
3. *Altitude*: 30 meters above sea level
4. *Climate*: Tropical with rains during the summer
*Ancient History*
1. *Foundation*: Chichen Itzá was founded in the sixth century A.D. by the Mayan Itzas.
2. *Classic Period*: (200-900 A.D.) Chichen Itza became an important commercial and cultural center.
3. *Toltec influence*: (900-1200 A.D.) The Toltecs influenced architecture and culture.
4. *Apogee*: (1200-1400 A.D.) Chichen Itza reached its maximum splendor.
5. *Decline*: (1400-1521 A.D.) The city was abandoned due to conflicts and diseases.
*Modern History*
1. *Spanish conquest*: (1521) Hernán Cortés arrived in Chichen Itzá.
2. *Abandono*: (1600) The city was abandoned.
3. *Rediscovery*: (1841) The American explorer John Lloyd Stephens rediscovered it.
4. *Excavations*: (1920) Manuel Gamio began the excavations.
5. *Restoration*: (1970) Restoration and conservation projects.
*Chronology*
1. *Preclassic* (200 BC-200 A.D.): First human occupations.
2. *Classic* (200-900 AD): Development of the city.
3. *Postclassical* (900-1521 AD): Toltec influence and decline.
4. *Colonial* (1521-1821): Spanish occupation.
5. *Independence* (1821): Mexico becomes independent.
*Sources*
1. "Chichén Itza" of UNESCO
2. "History of Chichen Itza" of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)
3. "Chichén Itzá: Official Guide" of the Ministry of Tourism of Mexico
4. "The Maya Book of Life" by John Lloyd Stephens
5. "Chichén Itzá: A Mayan City" by Manuel Gamio
