Tulum’s Ruins

Tulum is situated fifteen mi to the south of Akumal and was at one time known as Zama, which literally means “the place of dawning.” Tulum is one of the most notable destinations for history enthusiasts from all over the world. The breathtakingly beautiful landscapes on offer here are another definite advantage. The town is situated at a bluff that overlooks the east Caribbean Sea. The ocean views along with the numerous Mayan ruins make for a great experience for everybody concerned.

Tulum was a major city at the time of the Mayans between 1000 AD and 1600 AD.  The city was lived in by none other than the affluent and powerful Mayan citizens. The city was surrounded by a twenty foot wall that prevented invaders from both land as well as the sea from coming into the town.

Tulum was among the first cities that were come upon by the Spanish Conquistadors in Mexico. The high walls of the city discouraged them from entering it. The city was among the only one in the region that was flourishing at the time of discovery.

Tulum has a great deal of significance with respect to history. The city offered a major resistance at the time of the War of the Castes in the 19th century. The city later backed down and signed a treaty with the government of Mexico in 1935. Tulum is a major tourist attraction in the Mexican Riviera in the present day and is an exceedingly rewarding destination if you are a fan of craftsmanship and architecture.

Tulum has a huge number of buildings that have columns and intricate carvings. The Temple of the Frescoes is one of the most famous structures in the city, as are the Temple of the Diving God as well as the Castillo Pyramid.

The Temple of the Frescoes is home to a number of murals from the thirteenth century. The murals highlight ancient ceremonies and rituals of immense significance to the Mayans. The temple is home to a mural that depicts Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of medicine and fertility. This is an extremely rare depiction. The stucco pieces outside are painted in red, which is believed to have been the color in which the entire city was painted.

The Castillo Pyramid is a scenic location that has some excellent views.

The Temple of the Diving God has a figure of a diving man above the main doorway. The main is depicted as diving headfirst right towards the earth. There are tow carvings that are very similar at Coba in the Grand Pyramid. These could be a reference to Planet Venus, and is referred to as “the god descending” or “the bee god.”

Tulum is a historical destination worthy of note because it offers you a deep look into the living spaces and the lifestyles of the affluent Mayans of the ancient times. The architecture, with its superb carvings and other aspects are a pure contrast with the surrounding walls that speak of the resistance of the city towards outside influence for thousands of years.