Description of the attraction
Etzna is an ancient city located on the land of the north-Mexican state of Campeche. It was erected by the Maya people as early as 400 BC and was abandoned by them around 1500 AD. In the era of the late classical period, Etzna belonged to the state of Kalamkul.
Scientists suggest that the city was inhabited twice. In 400 BC. - peaceful Indians who were engaged in agricultural work. It was they who developed a system of water channels for rainwater that ran down to the fields. By 150 A. D. the city was abandoned, possibly due to a conflict with neighboring tribes. Half a millennium later, the city was inhabited by new Indians who built the pyramids that can be seen today. New residents revived the city, making it the main trading center in the south of the Yutakan Peninsula.
Most of the cities of this period are similar to each other. Etzna has a wide green field on its territory, outside of which, in the shade of dense, but still passable thickets, there are various pedestals. One of the most notable buildings is the main temple, located on a 40-meter platform. To the left of the temple is a high hill with columns, and to the right is a stepped platform, similar to a pyramid, stretched along the horizon. It is called the Big House. It may have served as a viewing platform for observing the rituals.
Another unusual structure is a small pyramid, which instead of steps has a long sloping road. There is a small ball court next to it. It was entertaining in nature, but it took the lives of two players of the losing team - the captain and one more, they were sacrificed.
The Big Acropolis is a huge area, fenced off from the field by a wall, and on the sides - by two pyramids. The main thing here is a five-level building, 35 meters high. Each level has small cell rooms. Light enters them only during sunset.
From here, a magnificent panorama opens up to Etzna itself, and beyond.
