Was the Temple of Kukulkan built by the Mayans?
Built by the pre-Columbian Maya civilization sometime between the 8th and 12th centuries AD, the pyramid served as a temple to the deity Kukulcán, the Yucatec Maya Feathered Serpent deity closely related to Quetzalcoatl, a deity known to the Aztecs and other central Mexican cultures of the Postclassic period.
Why was Kukulkan important to the Mayans?
Kukulkan headed a pantheon of deities of mixed Maya and non-Maya provenance, used to promote the Itza political and commercial agenda. It also eased the passage of Itza merchants into central Mexico and other non-Maya areas, promoting the Itza economy.
How did the Mayans build El Castillo?
El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, is a Mesoamerican step-pyramid built by the Maya civilisation in around 1000 AD. The pyramids consist of intricate carved stone in a stair-stepped design, topped with a flat platform upon which a smaller temple was constructed to honour a particular Maya deity.
How was the Temple of Kukulcan built?
The temple of Kukulkan was built by the Toltecs; they created another temple on top of Kukulkan, which was made by the Mayans. Inside the main temple, you will find another temple, which has steps on one side, created by the Mayans of the classical era.
What is the Temple of Kukulkan made of?
LimestoneEl Castillo / Material
What was Kukulcan used for?
The Temple of Kukulkan was primarily built to act as a physical calendar, one that perfectly aligns with the sun. Each side of the temple has 91 steps.
What is Kukulcan known for?
Quetzalcóatl was one of the most important gods in ancient Mesoamerica, particularly for the Toltec and Aztec civilizations. He is also known as the Plumed or Feathered Serpent, that is, a mix of bird and rattlesnake.
What is kukulkan the god of?
Kukulcan & the Yucatec Maya. Their chief god was the feathered serpent Kukulcan whose name means just that: feathered (k’uk’ul) and serpent (kan). He was a creator god, and the god of rain, wind, storms, and life.
What did the Mayans use El Castillo for?
El Castillo: Also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, named for a Mayan deity that appears as a feathered serpent. This pyramid-shaped structure stands close to 100 feet high. The Great Ball Court: Just to the northwest of El Castillo, this structure was used for sport—primarily a team game using a ball.
Who built Kukulkan?
the Toltecs
The temple of Kukulkan was built by the Toltecs; they created another temple on top of Kukulkan, which was made by the Mayans. Inside the main temple, you will find another temple, which has steps on one side, created by the Mayans of the classical era.