Chichen Itza Facts for Kids

A Picture of Chichen Itza
  • Name: Chichen Itza
  • Alternate Name: Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
  • Location: Yucatan, Mexico, North America
  • GPS Cordinates: 20°40’59″N 88°34’7″W
  • Built by: Maya civilization
  • Annual Visitors: 2.6 million (2016)
  • Significance: A famous building built by the Maya

15 Chichen Itza Facts for Kids

  1. Chichen Itza was a city built during the Terminal Classical period by the Mayas.
  2. The official name for Chichen Itza is Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza.
  3. The GPS coordinates for the city of Chichen Itza are 20°40’59″N 88°34’7″W.
  4. The city of Chichen Itza was built between 750 and 900 CE.
  5. The Temple of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, is a pyramid at the center of Chichen Itza.
  6. The Temple of Kukulcan was built to serve Yucatec Maya Feathered Serpent god Kukulkan.
  7. The height of the Temple of Kukulcan is 98 feet.
  8. The square base of the Temple of Kukulcan is 181 feet.
  9. The city of Chichen Itza was one of the largest cities built by the Maya civilization.
  10. In 1843, American explorer and writer published a book about his visits to the Yucatán and his tour of several Maya cities, including Chichen Itza. He publication is what made the, the city of Chichen Itza famous.
  11. In 1860, French archaeologist Désiré Charnay surveyed the city of Chichen Itza and took many photographs. His findings and photographs were published in his book Cités et ruines américaines in 1863.
  12. In 1923, the Carnegie Institution was awarded its first ten year permit to excavate and restore Chichen Itza.
  13. In 1988, the city of Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  14. In 2006, tourists were no longer allowed to climb the steps of the Temple of Kukulcan.
  15. In 2007, the city of Chichen Itza was desginated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Find More Facts About Chichen Itza

  • About Chichen-Itza – Explore the UN World Heritage Convention website to learn more about the pre-hispanic city of Chichen-Itza.
  • Chichen Itza – Discover more facts and information about Chichen Itza on the National Geographic website.
  • History of Chichen Itza – Learn about the history of Chichen Itza on the History Channel website.
  • Chichen Itza Video – Watch this video about Chichen Itza to learn more about its history.

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