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Bix-a-belex. Welcome to the coastal port city of Tulum. You have arrived just in time! Our photo tour of the Tulum ruins is about to begin.
The Yucatan sun can be quite strong, you know. Sunglasses and sunblock are a must, as is comfortable, secure footwear. Sometimes, tour officials will allow you to enter certain buildings, or even climb the steps of El Castillo. You will want to be prepared for that. You might want to cover your shoulders, or wear a white T-shirt. It is best to dress in loose layers. And don't forget your bathing suit.
You also might want to stuff a small box of tissue into your backpack or belt. We will get to the reasoning behind that a little later on.
Here, take along a little of our local tzictli (chicle) to chew, and perhaps some some fresh cacahuatl (coca water foam) to soothe your throat. Okay.. you are ready for our tour. Let's go!
As you make your way from the parking lot toward a massive walled enclosure, which stretches as far to the left and right as you can see, you notice a tall but very narrow archway of stone. This is where we shall enter the ruins of Tulum. Climb the steps carefully, then make your way through the passage...
Breathtaking! This is the classic port city of Tulum, once called "Zama" by the Maya who dwelt within its walls. The name Zama translates to "dawn". Watching the sun rise from this dramatic location would, without a doubt, be one inspirational experience. The name was later changed to Tulum, which (aptly) means "wall".
On his fourth voyage to the Americas, explorer Christoper Columbus sailed along the Yucatan shoreline. From his ship, he could see Tulum rising in crimson-hued magesty, perched high atop the cliffs above the turquoise Caribbean waters. Yes, Tulum was once painted blood red, which worked to discourage possible invaders. For this reason, along with its strategic, defendable locale, Tulum thrived, becoming a major trade center as her sister cities fell. Even to this day, some of Tulum's walls and internal structures retain a faint pinkish glow. Just a hint of it remains.. like a solemn reminder, whispering of her long lost grandeur.
You see that building on the left? That's the Temple of Frescoes. For now, we will pass it by. Even at this hour, the sun is intense, and here, by the wall, the air is still. We could sure use a little sea breeze. So let's make our way eastward, shall we, toward the castle?
There is Zama and her partner at the foot of El Castillo. Let's take their picture.
This, the largest structure at Tulum, is called "El Castillo", which means "the castle". Although it is named as such, it really isn't a castle at all. It was mainly used for sacrifice and ritual celebration, with the king making his royal proclamations (sometimes involving death sentences), from the very top of its staircase.
There are three known entrances to El Castillo, but rumor has it there was a fourth, secret entryway, known and used only by the king himself. Supposedly, it was located at the very bottom of the cliffs, far beneath the castle, and could be accessed only via one secret passage that led to a hidden beach grotto.
Don't feel much like climbing today? That staircase is very steep, some rocks appear to be loose, and there is no guide rope at all. Let's face north instead. What's that little building over there? Perhaps we should check it out...
We are now at the northwest corner of El Castillo, not far from the steps. Look! Zama has managed to crawl inside that tiny doorway, and she is photographing the structure's interior. *someday soon, you will be able to view the actual video footage Zama shot from inside.
The tour guides aren't exactly sure what this building was used for, nor when the circular platform inside was installed. Each guide comes up with his own explanation. Some say the building was a guard house. We know the Maya were of small stature compared to modern day standards, but the ceiling is too low, even for them. Due to its orientation, some insist it was a solar calendar, with the platform acting as a sundial. A few speculate a statue may have once stood upon the circular platform, or that atop it, a signal fire burned.
A few researchers speculate that this was a shelter, built to house and protect ritual offerings from the strong sun. Others say there could have been piles of recently decapitated human heads neatly stacked and stored here for later use. Sometimes, human skulls were used to construct retaining walls. And headless bodies could have been heaped in here. After human sacrifices were decapitated, their beating hearts removed, the headless forms were sent sailing down the steps of El Castillo on a sled.. to those eagerly waiting below!
The same building, eastern face, seaside.
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Zama splashing in a Tulum grotto
~If you can imagine yourself in the vista located at the top right corner of this page, I would be splashing just below you. This grotto is located to the left of Tulum's main beach. There are many more like it to explore, all along this stretch of pristine coastline.
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Zama is also building the Classical lowland port city of Tulum here at the AncientWorlds Hoods project. You can view the district of Tulum, now open and growing rapidly, by clicking this image...
Then join Zama for a cup of spicy cool Cachaça at~ Tianguez!
The Friendship Quilt Project
*Also visit*
*Mayan Epigraphic Data Project*
*Harvard Magazine ~ Maya Museum*
*Rabbit In The Moon ~ Mayan Glyphs and Architecture*
*The
Maya Civilization ~ La Civilización Maya Cities of the Maya*
*Maya Language~
Yucatec Maya Pronunciation and Everyday Phrases, Mayan Numbers*
*Omniglot, A Guide to Writing Systems ~ Mayan Script Omniglot is a must see. It includes the Mayan syllabary, and links to many other language tools. *** You might even want to get your head shaped.*
And don't forget to check out Quia, the hosts of Zama's
Tulum website, KMT's Arcade Aegyptus, Name That Netjer, Royal Roundup, City Slicker, The Daily Dig, Time Twister and Recording Studio games, and so many other interactive learning tools.
This site is dedicated to Ancient Worlds' The Americas, Her Dei, Scribes & citizens alike, and to the man who watched the Yucatan sun rise with me... more than once. ;-)
~Mama Zama
customized Catherwood etching for El Castillo Tulum and all custom graphics and layout for Zama Roca's TULUM @ www.quia.com/files/quia/users/titian1/member/Zama/TulumSplash.htm were provided by A. Lake, Andrea Lake, Andi Lake, AzureEyes, AER, of Virtual Visages, VirtualVisages, virtualvisages.com
most photography by Andrea Lake and Jack Lesley of VirtualVisages and JackLesley.com.
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Complete List of Zama's 18 Groups
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