The word Chichen Itza means “at the moth of the well of the Itza”. It is a large pre-Columbian settlement built by the Maya in the Mexican state of Yucatan.

The site rose to prominence toward the end of the Early Classic period and became a major regional capital towards the end of the era. The rise of this site coincides with the decline of the major centers of Southern Maya lowlands such as a Tikal.

The art and architecture from the period demonstrate a mix of Maya and Toltec styles, and some sources suggest that it was established by the Toltec king Topiltzin Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl who arrived from Central Mexico.

chichen Itza was also a major economic power in the Northern Maya lowlands. It was a trade entrepot between Central Mexico and Central America, dominating the exchange of the wares of these regions, such as a gold and obsidian. 

Archeologists estimate that the site fell to siege and loot around 1000 CE.