Itzá Heckúva Sight

In the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico lies the ruins of Chichén Itzá, the elaborate city of colorful pyramids, steps, graves, plazas and temples housing murals, altars, masks, carvings and other renderings.

Chichén Itzá is believed to have been a populous community as well as military fortress and a center for worship and commerce.

Settled in circa 500 AD and developed primarily between 900 and 1200 AD, it is estimated to have been abandoned by the 1500s.

Ominously, some structures within the city served as the site of countless sacrificial ceremonies. Humans were certainly believed to have been sacrificed, along with gold and jade to Chaac, the rain god during the Cult of the Cenote.

Another marvel evident in Chichén Itzá’s dazzling remnants is the Mayans’ brilliant pursuit of astronomy. Biannually, shadows can be observed on the steps of the Temple of Kukulkan during the autumn and spring equinoxes which form the shape of a serpent that slithers downward to the bottom steps as the sun sets. The city’s observatory also allowed for the forecasting of solar eclipses.

After its excavation in the 19th Century, much of what we now know of the ruins was learned and studied by scientists and scholars who are still trying to keep up with its complex history.

But what ever became of the Mayans of the city and why did they flee? These are questions that have never been unequivocally satisfied. Perhaps it’s simply too early to know. Those answers may lie in the riddles that adorn the city’s stone walls and haunt all souls who walk their ancient paths, searching in vain for an ancient clue. Maybe Itzá just a mystery.

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Christopher Robinson

The Case of the Drunken Heiress - Part 5

This week’s post will feature the conclusion of The Case of the Drunken Heiress by author Karen Carson. This crime serial has been presented here in five parts, the fifth and last of which can be viewed using the link below. Karen has also provided the following comprehensive summary for reference. I think mystery fans will appreciate Karen’s textured characters and engrossing story. Enjoy! --Christopher Robinson

To go directly to part 5: click here.

To go directly to part 4: click here.

To go directly to part 3: click here.

To go directly to part 2, click here.

To read the initial synopsis of the story: click here.

 

Contact Chris: Name: Email: Comment:

Christopher Robinson