In the woods to the south-east of the Castillo are a series of ruins
which, while intrinsically interesting, are perhaps of most value in the
discussion as to the actual age of Chichen. We shall refer to them in a
later chapter, and at present would content ourselves with saying that
we believe them to represent an older Chichen than that which flourished
at the time of Montejo's visit. They consist of a series of mounds some
30 feet high, crowned with now ruined buildings. In their midst are two
temples. The first is very remarkable. Its roof has gone, but the
majestic carved pillars, 10 feet high, which supported it are still for
the most part in position. Here Mr. Thompson recently unearthed a
life-sized recumbent statue of the Chacmool type to which a reference
was made in our description of the Museum at Mexico City. Its head is
half turned, and its features and headdress are those of the Atlantean
statuettes. A hollow in the body between the navel and ribs, three
inches wide by three-quarters of an inch deep, suggests a receptacle for
incense-burning; the figure probably being altar and idol combined.
To the immediate south of this, with the walls nearly adjoining, is a
second temple, now roofless. Against its southern wall stand three
carved pillars some 10 feet high, but the peculiar feature is a platform
3 feet high and 5 feet wide and 12 feet long on the north side which has
all the appearance of an altar; while a second feature, which we saw
nowhere else in Yucatan, was a terraced ledge at the eastern end about
4 feet wide running the full width of the building and approached in its
north-east corner by a flight of five stone steps well laid. Still
further to the south of these twin temples were two mounds parallel to
each other about 50 yards apart. Owing to the dense growth of bush
accurate measurements were difficult; but each appeared to be between 40
and 50 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 25 to 30 feet high. Excavations on
the second one showed three small stone houses, apparently
communicating.
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