The ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá was founded in the 5th century. Abandoned after 200 years for reasons unknown, the Mayas returned 300 years later, thereafter reaching their spiritual and cultural zenith. Soon after, however, it became inextricably linked with and absorbed by the Toltecs. An impressive witness to that golden age is the 9-step pyramid. It dominates the whole site and was named El Castillo by the Spanish conquistadors. Together with the upper platform, the 91 steps on each of the 4 sides add up to 365, the number of days in a year. Remarkable: the spectacle of the plumed serpent that can be witnessed every year on equinox on 21 March and 23 September. The shadow of the stepped pyramid edges falls on the cheek of one of the stairs and creates the impression of a snake winding down the stairs. At the end of the stair there is a snake head made from stone. The original dolomite stone was also used to make the model.
