THE SPOTS

Tulum Ruins

Tulum is a pre-Columbian Mayan site located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It was one of the last Mayan cities to be built and was inhabited until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The ruins of Tulum are a significant archaeological site, and they offer a glimpse into the life and culture of the ancient Mayan people.

The city of Tulum was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and was known to the Mayans as Zama, which means "City of the Dawn." The name was likely given because of its location on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the first rays of the sun were seen each day.

The Mayan civilization is famous for its impressive architecture, and Tulum is no exception. The city was built on a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and its walls were constructed from stone blocks quarried from the nearby jungle. The most iconic structure in Tulum is the Castle, a pyramid-like structure that served as a temple and observatory. From the top of the Castle, the Mayan astronomers could observe the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.

The Temple of the Frescoes is another impressive structure in Tulum. This building features detailed stucco carvings that depict Mayan deities, as well as scenes from daily life. The carvings are still visible today, despite being over 600 years old.

The city of Tulum was surrounded by a massive wall that was up to 16 feet high and 26 feet thick. The wall served as a defensive barrier against invaders and was likely one of the reasons why Tulum was able to survive for so long. The wall was also decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, many of which can still be seen today.

The Mayans were skilled farmers, and the city of Tulum was surrounded by farmland where they grew crops such as maize, beans, and squash. The city also had access to the sea, and the Mayans were able to fish and trade with neighboring communities.

The Mayan people of Tulum were skilled craftsmen, and they produced a wide range of goods such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry. They also made intricate carvings and sculptures from stone and wood, many of which can still be seen in Tulum today.

The Mayans were known for their complex system of writing, which included hieroglyphics and pictograms. Although much of their written history has been lost, the Mayans left behind a rich oral tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Tulum was an important cultural center for the Mayan people, and it played a significant role in their religion and spirituality. The city was home to a number of temples and shrines, where the Mayans performed ceremonies and made offerings to their gods.

One of the most interesting aspects of Tulum is the fact that it was one of the few Mayan cities to have a port. The Mayans were skilled seafarers, and they used their knowledge of the sea to trade with neighboring communities along the coast. The port at Tulum was strategically located, and it allowed the Mayans to control trade routes along the coast.

Despite the fact that Tulum was an important center of Mayan culture, little is known about its decline. It is believed that the city was abandoned sometime in the 16th century, around the time that the Spanish arrived in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is possible that the Mayans were driven out by disease or war, or that they simply migrated to other parts of the region.

Today, the ruins of Tulum are a popular tourist destination, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Mayan world. Visitors can explore the impressive structures