Tulum and its Wildlife
On the Yucatan coast of Mexico lies the ancient Maya city of Tulum. Because of its stunning location, it is a frequently visited and photographed site. Not only is the archaeological history with all its ruins impressive, but the flora and fauna are as well. You literally walk among the iguanas here; everywhere you look, you can see these creatures, some growing to over a meter in length, roaming around.
Tulum, a Strategic Trading Post
Tulum was built on a plateau overlooking the Caribbean Sea and dates back to the Postclassic period (the final stage of the Maya civilization). At that time, the city was called Zama, which means ‘dawn’ or ‘morning red.’ It served as an important trading post on the route to other locations in the Caribbean and central Mexico
The oldest inscription in Tulum dates from 564 but the city’s golden age lasted from the 11th to the 15th century. It is the only Mayan settlement which lies by the sea. By the time the Spaniards arrived here the city had lost much of the importance it had enjoyed during the greatest period of the Maya’s, but it was still inhabited. In the 19th century it was the site of a large-scale uprising against the white land-owners. The complex then became a place of refuge but unfortunately many Mayans died during the fighting.
The complex today consists of about 60 buildings, all of them in a fairly good condition. One of the finest buildings is the Templo de los Frescos which stands close to the entrance. Other buildings worth seeing are the Casa de las Columnas (recognisable by its columns), the Gran Palacio and the Casa del Halach (House of the Great Master).
The most important building here is called El Castillo. It is 7.5 metres high and stands prominently on the coast. On its top is a small shrine which may once have served as a kind of lighthouse, shining a beacon for incoming canoes.
On many buildings you can see a figure called Dios Descendente, the Descending God. This figure is recognisable by its downward facing head, spread legs and its feathered arms folded on its breast.
Text Harrie Wolters
Translation Alun Harvey
