Here I present you a detailed expansion of the culture and symbolism of Chichen Itzá:
*Mayan Culture*
1. *Religion*: Polytheistic, with more than 150 gods and goddesses, including Kukulcán, Chaac and Ah Puch.
2. *Society*: Hierarchical structure with:
- Nobles and rulers
- Priests and shamans
- Artisans and merchants
- Peasants and workers
3. *Economy*: Trade, agriculture (corn, beans, cocoa), hunting and fishing.
4. *Calendar*: Tzolkin (ritual, 260 days) and Haab (civil, 365 days).
5. *Education*: Focused on religion, astronomy and mathematics.
*Symbolism*
1. *Feathed Snake (Kukulcán)*: God of fertility, renewal and wisdom.
2. *Eagles and Jaguars*: Symbols of power, strength and courage.
3. *Circles and Spirals*: Representations of time, universe and natural cycles.
4. *Images of Gods*: Representations of Mayan gods such as Chaac and Ah Puch.
5. *Astronomic Symbols*: Representations of stars, planets and constellations.
*Art and Crafts*
1. *Sculps*: Representations of gods, animals and mythological beings.
2. *Wall Paintings*: Scenes of rituals, battles and everyday life.
3. *Ceramics*: Vases, figures and decorative objects.
4. *Textiles*: Fabrics and clothing with Mayan patterns and symbols.
5. *Architecture*: Classic Mayan style, with pyramids, temples and palaces.
*Rituals and Ceremonies*
1. *Human Sacrifices*: Offerings to the gods to maintain cosmic balance.
2. *Fertility rituals*: Ceremonies to ensure rain and harvest.
3. *Funeral Ceremonies*: Rituals to honor the deceased.
4. *Ball Games*: Sacred games with ritual meaning.
5. *Initiation Ceremonies*: Rituals to mark the transition to adulthood.
*Mayan mythology*
1. *Creation of the World*: Myths about the creation of the universe.
2. *Gods and Goddesses*: Stories of Mayan gods such as Kukulcán and Chaac.
3. *Heroes and Legends*: Stories of Mayan heroes and legends.
4. *The Book of the Dead*: Sacred text that describes the journey to the afterlife.
*Cultural Influences*
1. *Toltec influence*: Architecture, art and religion.
2. *Mexica influence*: Commerce, politics and religion.
3. *Spanish Influence*: Colonization and Christianization.
4. *Interaction with other cultures*: Trade and cultural exchange with other Mesoamerican civilizations.
*Sources*
1. "Chichén Itza" of UNESCO
2. "History of Chichen Itzá" by 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
6. "Los Mayas" by Diego de Landa
7. "Mayan Art" by Michael D. Coe
8. "The Mayan Religion" by Alfredo Barrera Vásquez
9. "The Mayan Mythology" by Eric Thompson.
