Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was a state in Maya Lowlands and Highlands (Mesoamerica and Caribbean) that lasted from c. 750 to 1200 CE, about 450 years. Its people spoke Mayan languages (Classic and Postclassic Maya, K'iche').

The dominant city of northern Yucatán, with the stepped pyramid of Kukulcan, the largest ballcourt in Mesoamerica and the Sacred Cenote, where offerings and people were thrown.

See Chichen Itza on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 750 to 1200 CE
Duration: 450 years
Type: State
Region: Maya Lowlands and Highlands, Mesoamerica and Caribbean
Language family: Mayan

Events in Mesoamerica and Caribbean during its time

850 Classic Maya collapse

Neighbours in Mesoamerica and Caribbean

Zapotec state (Monte Albán) c. 500 BCE to 850 CE
Tikal (Mutal) c. 90 to 900 CE
Mixtec kingdoms c. 900 to 1522 CE
Kaan kingdom (Calakmul) c. 400 to 900 CE
Toltec state (Tula) c. 900 to 1150 CE
Cholula c. 300 BCE to 1519 CE
Kaminaljuyu c. 800 BCE to 800 CE
Zapotec city-states (Zaachila, Mitla) c. 850 to 1521 CE
El Tajín (Classic Veracruz) c. 600 to 1200 CE
Caracol 331 to 859 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
Holy Roman Empire 962 to 1806 CE, Europe
Kingdom of Aksum c. 100 to 940 CE, North and West Africa
Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
Moche (Mochica) c. 100 to 800 CE, South America
Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia

Questions

When did Chichen Itza exist?

c. 750 to 1200 CE, about 450 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Chichen Itza?

Maya Lowlands and Highlands, in Mesoamerica and Caribbean.

What language did Chichen Itza speak?

Mayan. This family includes Classic and Postclassic Maya, K'iche'.