Less than a week ago I was visiting the Mayan Ruins at Tulum. This was a crazy experience. I have long had a fascination with ancient civilizations. This was my first time visiting a site. I have been over parts of Europe, parts of Mexico, and most of the U.S., but this little hideaway in Mexico – a few hours from Belize and nestled on the Caribbean has become my favorite.
The temple where the constellations rest
Tulum is an interesting site for many reasons. It was a city hidden from the Spanish many years after the conquests. It was kept secret by the local Mayans (who are still large in number in the area) so the Spanish could not destroy this site, as they had many other. The Mayan people were very advanced in Astronomy – we are talking creepy advanced. This site houses Orion and Pleiades at the summer and winter solstice – meaning they sit on top of the temple platform perfectly. Also during the Equinox the sun makes a perfect shadow of a snake descending the temple.
One of the most interesting carvings is the one of the Descending God.(see photo below) The eerie image shows a man descending from space. The man is also surrounded by what appears to be space vessels on both sides of him. There is a large group of people (and growing) that believe this is how the Mayans were so advanced for their time and ours (scientists are still trying to figure out how they knew stuff that we are just finding out with all our modern technology).
The Mayan’s (along with many other ancient civilizations) created Calendars that all stopped in the year 2012. Scientists are still trying to figure out what caused so many civilizations to stop their time in this year. Many people are speculating that the sun might change positions and throw off our gravity center (btw..which would spell doom for everyone in existence). Since 2012 is right around the corner I guess we will have to wait and see what happens this year. Since the Mayans were so advanced and knew things well beyond even today’s knowledge — I will be interested to see what happens in 2012.
Anyway..enough babbling. Here are a few of my favorite pictures. To see all of them visit my flickr page.
Technorati Tags: Mayan, Ruins, Tulum, Mexico, Beach, Decending God, 2012
Tulum Hotels
April 7, 2009
I have to say that Tulum is also one of my favorite sites. Last time I was there we hired a guide and he was fantastic! Informative, funny and it only took an hour to explore. Beautiful views of the sea as well.
Stunning photos by the way – really impressive!!