Mayapan, known as the “Flag of the Mayas,” is a significant archaeological site located in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. This walled city is considered the last great capital of the Maya civilization.
The city’s origins date back to the beginning of our era, reaching its zenith during the Postclassic Period (1200 – 1450 A.D.). It served as the political and cultural capital of the Maya in the Yucatán Peninsula from the 1220s until the 1440s².
Mayapan spans an area of 4 square kilometers and houses approximately 4,000 structures. The city’s layout is tightly packed with temples, colonnaded halls, oratories, shrines, sanctuaries, altars, and platforms. The ceremonial center of the site is located in the city’s wider western half.
One of the city’s most notable structures is the Temple of Kukulcan, also known as the Castillo. This radial four-staircase temple with nine terraces bears a striking resemblance to the Temple of Kukulcan at the earlier site of Chichen Itza.
At its peak, Mayapan was home to an estimated 15,000–17,000 people. The city’s inhabitants, including those living outside the city walls, engaged in various activities such as agriculture, animal-raising, and specialized tasks like lime production.
Today, Mayapan stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Maya civilization, offering valuable insights into their rich history and culture. Despite extensive archaeological studies, much remains to be discovered about this complex urban landscape.
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