Deep within the jungles of the Yucatan region in Southern Mexico, ruined
and imposing temples loom above the canopy and a great grassy plaza,
like a Mayan Forum. Vines creep over monlithic stones and shrines where
once lamps with burning flame illuminated the late evening, as priests
made sacrifices to capricious and fearsome gods. The great pyramid of
Kulkulkan stands tall in homage to the god Quetzalcoatl, the feathered
serpent, bringer of prosperity or famine, rain or drought, a central
deity to the lives of the mayans. The great ball courts, once alive with
the clamour and thunder of competition, the glory of the winners and
ultimate risk for the loser, now stand silent and resplendent. El
Caracol, the observatory, once mapped the heavens and charted the course
of Venus on its celestial path.
Sound exciting? This Seventh Wonder of the World is open to the public
as a World Heritage site, inviting anyone intrepid enough to come and
admire the genius of the Mayans for themselves.
