Learning activity 1.

Evidence: The new 7 wonders of the world: Chichén Itzá

By: Ana María Ramírez Correa

The New 7 Wonders campaign was voted at 2007. These “New 7 Wonders” were
nominated and decided by international vote.
This campaign was established by a private enterprise: “New Open World
Corporation”. The idea was though by a swiss businessman: Bernard Weber.
Chichén Itzá was choosen as one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” by
approximately 100 million people around the world. Votes were done by phone
(SMS) and internet. This wonder of the world took the last place in the top of the 7
wonders during international voting. Chichén Itzá is located about 193 Km from the
modern-day resort town of Cancun, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
About Chichén Itzá history:
Chichén Itzá was a Mayan city and It was considered an important tourist attraction
for a long time. Nowadays it continues being a tourist attraction but with an extra
value: It is recognized as a wonder of the world.
Chichén Itzá was named by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Chichén Itzá is also seen as an active archeological site, actually new discoveries
are seen in the area, providing even more insight into the culture and
accomplishments of the Mayan people.
The name Chichén Itzá is originated in Mayan language, it is a term for “at the
mouth of the well of the Itza.” The Itza were an ethnic group of Mayans “who had
risen to power in the northern part of the Yucatan peninsula” (History channel,
2018) where the city is located.
The well in the name is referred to a number of underground rivers and the rivers
are served as the source of water for the city: “This easy access to water made the
location perfect for a city the size of Chichen Itza.” (History Channel, 2018)
Historic and social studies differ as to when Chichen Itza was built:
Some of them says that the establishment of the city was in the early 400s A.D.,
while others suggest construction started a few years later, in the middle part of the
fifth century.
The Temple of Kukulkan is identified as one of the tallest and most notable
structures in Mayan architecture, it is settled on a rectangular platform 55.5 meters
wide and rises to a height of 24 meters. Each of its four sides has 91 steps and the
platform that crowns the pyramid is considered step 365, there is one for each day
of the solar calendar. (Laseca, 2019)
Chichén Itzá was built to have a place where people could worship their god
Kukulcán. This god was represented in the form of a snake and therefore this
figure appears in the decoration of the temple. They came there from other regions
to seek knowledge and enjoy a peaceful environment.
Other theories were defended that the Sun also influenced its construction.
Nowadays both theories are recognized. “The decoration itself also refers to the
god of rain. In any case, it represents the intelligence and knowledge of this
civilization in different subjects, such as geometry, mathematics, astronomy or
acoustics.” (Ingeoexpert, 2022)
In my personal opinion Chichén Itzá is recognized as a wonder of the world
because every wonder has a characteristic: it is seen as a big mystery for
humanity, it is represented as a big and beautiful structure and it causes
astonishment. It is like every wonder causes an esthetic experience in people,
obviously there are business interests and economic interests but in this case
(Chichén Itzá) I think it is a beautiful wonder of the world.