Tula and Chichen Itza: A Virtual Analysis

Hello fellow bloggers!

This week we will be travelling via Google Maps to two different sites; Pyramid B at Tula and the Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza. Both temples are very comparable in construction thus indicating the notion of cultural contact between the two empires, particularly the invasion by the Toltec’s on Chichen Itza. We will examine the similarities and differences between both sites before drawing a conclusion on the relevancy of a Toltec occupation of Chichen Itza.

Pyramid B located in the Toltec site of Tula is a step pyramid that approached by a broad stairway. At the top of the pyramid stand four colossal Atlantean columns representing Toltec warriors. Scholars conclude they once served at pillars to support the roof of a temple that stood atop the pyramid. Each level signifies different motifs of varying deity figures, such as the feathered serpent or jaguar. Furthermore, a large series of columns occupy the surrounding area of the pyramid, which originally supported a tremendous enclosed space.

Pyramid B, Tula 

The Temple of the Warriors is located in the Yucatán site of Chichen Itza. It is a large stepped pyramid that features a number of similarities with Pyramid B. The temple consists of four platforms, flanked on the south and west sides by 200 round and square columns. All square columns are carved in low relief, with Toltec warriors – one of the major indications of contact between the groups. Like Pyramid B it is approached through a broad staircase leading up to columns that once supported a rooftop. Unlike Pyramid B, these columns represent serpents as opposed to the Toltec warriors. However, although the serpent was commonly used with the Maya, it was much more common with the Toltec’s, thus another significant connection.  

Temple of the Warriors, Chichen Itza

In brief, the similarities between these two temples are the flat step pyramid, centered broad staircase, surrounding colonnades that once supported an enormous enclosed space, columns featured on the top of each pyramid, and the carved representations of Toltec warriors. The differences include the size of the temples. The Temple of the Warriors was constructed on a much grander scale than Pyramid B at Tula.

After considering the features of both temples, it becomes clear that there must have been some sort of contact between the two powerful empires. They share architectural elements not found in other Maya or Toltec sites. The pillars inscribed with Toltec warriors in Chichen Itza are an important indicator of this. These bases of comparison are undisputed, however a conclusion cannot be established because the exact relationship between the two areas remains unknown. Moreover, the depictions of the feathered serpent deities in Chichen Itza are more in line with Toltec cultures rather than Maya culture.

This topic remains major within Mesoamerican studies and research because this connection remains the sole type that share a similar building construction and symbolic representation between two different cities, let alone different cultures.

There’s a thought to leave you guys with!

Until next week,

Mays