Such walled cities are few in number. Research signifies that the Mayan Ruins of Tulum was formerly known as Zama, which meant ‘to daybreak’. Given its location, this name seems apt. The site was named ‘Tulum’ earlier than the visit by explorers Stephens and Catherwood within the 12 months 1841. This was just earlier than the Caste War of 1847. Here the city was deserted and left to ruins. Clearing of bushes was ordered. Catherwood made a number of illustrations of temples, which was later revealed within the book ‘Incidents of Travel in Yucatan’. The discovery of Tulum is usually attributed to Juan José Galvez.

The site goes back to the 12 months AD 564. An inscription on a stele indicates this. Tulum thus belongs to the Basic period. The city witnessed activity a lot later from 1200 to 1521 AD. This was during the publish traditional period. Tulum served as a major link in in depth trade network of Maya. The city saw a convergence of maritime and land routes.

Artifacts excavated from the site indicate contacts from Central Mexico to Central America. Copper rattles and rings indicate presence of Mexican highland culture. Flint and ceramics had been obtained from the Yucatán jade. Juan de Grijalva and his males had been perhaps the first Europeans to see Tulum. They sailed along the east coast of Yucatán in 1518. Spaniards returned years later to conquer the peninsula. They introduced with them Old World ailments that destroyed the native population. Thus, much like many cities Tulum lay abandoned.

Visitors get a glimpse of Tulum’s most important middle each ceremonially and politically after they arrive at the pre-hispanic site. The city was encircled monumentally by Mayan’s greatest known wall. A big number of wooden and palm houses had been situated round this wall. Presently, this area can’t be accessed, and there exists no evidence of those houses.

The square, which lies on the center of the city, was in all probability used for ceremonies and rituals. It is flanked by a Forgedillo or castle to the west. The Solidillo is often touted because the tallest building in Tulum. It is typically referred to because the lighthouse. It is situated on the bluff mentioned above. It presents a breathtaking view of the ocean and coast. This construction underwent several stages of construction. The higher rooms are carved with the motif of the plumed serpent. Rooms are vaulted in classical model of Mayan culture.

The Temple of the Descending God is one other intriguing structure. The facade comprises a determine that is sculpted head down. The interior walls show traces of ancient pigments used by the Mayan people. The determine is thought to characterize a deity, the place Tulum appears to be on the heart of the cult.