Rise of Chichen Itza and the League of Mayapan
987 CE
Political alliance between Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Mayapan, inaugurating the Postclassic era in Yucatan.
Historical Context
As southern lowlands fell silent, Maya civilization reinvented itself in the northern Yucatan Peninsula, where brilliant new cities emerged.
The Event
Around 987 CE, the cities of Chichen Itza (influenced by the Toltec ruler K'uk'ulkan), Uxmal, and Mayapan formed a confederate alliance known as the League of Mayapan.
Key Figures
K'uk'ulkan (Feathered Serpent / Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl), Ah Mekat Tutul Xiu (Founder of Uxmal).
Aftermath
The League ushered in two centuries of peace and commercial prosperity across Yucatan. Chichen Itza erected El Castillo pyramid and Mesoamerica's largest Ballcourt.
Legacy & Culture
Chichen Itza is classified today among the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting millions of visitors to witness the shadow serpent equinox phenomenon on El Castillo.
Historiography
Indigenous chronicles in the *Books of Chilam Balam* preserved the historical memory of the League, blending historical events with K'atun cycle prophecies.
Sources and References
Fouilles archéologiques de Chichén Itzá et Mayapán (INAH)
Consulter l'archive officielle ↗Semantic cluster
Maya civilization clusterPreclassic to Postclassic: Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque, calendar and collapses.
Cluster internal links
- Previous (cluster)
Final Tikal Stela and the Classic Collapse
869
- Next (cluster)
Xiu Revolt and Fall of Mayapan
1441
- Same cluster
Capture and Execution of King 18-Rabbit of Copan
738
- Same cluster
Jasaw Chan K'awiil I's Victory over Calakmul
695
- Same cluster
Accession of Yuknoom Ch'een II (Yuknoom the Great)
636
- Same cluster
Enthronement of K'inich Janaab' Pakal I at Palenque
615
- Semantic bridge
First Official Paper Money (Jiaozi)
1024
- Semantic bridge
The Black Death
1347
- Semantic bridge
Invention of the Printing Press
1454