Tulum Ruins History

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About Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins are a well-preserved Mayan archaeological site perched high above a limestone cliff on the Caribbean Sea coast and provide deep insight into Mayan culture by booking Tulum Ruins Tickets & Tours. The site, located in the state of Quintana Roo in the Riviera Maya region, is also one of Mexico's most visited tourist destinations. It entices tourists from all over the world for its breathtaking sea scenery and long Tulum Ruins history.

The site was actually a walled city made up of several significant historical structures like El Castillo, the Temple of Descending God, the Temple of Frescoes, Walls, and the House of Cenote, built by the Mesoamerican Mayan civilization. Another attraction of the Tulum Ruins is its white sandy Secret beach that offers the perfect location to unwind after an hour of exploration. The turquoise ocean waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, as well as for taking in the seascape and the ruins. You can visit this incredible site on your own or with a Tulum ruins guide and discover Ruinas de Tulum historia and the greatness of the Mayan civilization.

History Of The Tulum Ruins

Tulum Ruins history dates to the early 300 BC as a fishing settlement, however, the oldest archaeological evidence of human habitation in the region dates back to 564 AD. A Spanish expedition discovered this seaside city of Tulum on May 7, 1518, making it the site of the first contact between Mayans and Spanish cultures.

Perched on a limestone cliff facing the rising sun, this city was the only Mayan settlement situated on the Caribbean beaches and served as the significant hub for trade between land and sea. The city's previous name, Zama, meant dawn or sunrise, which signifies its geographic location. It was also one of the very few cities in the Maya world that was ever walled or fortified, giving it the name Tulum, which means wall, fence, or trench in the Mayan language. The city was protected by strong walls on three sides and the ocean on its eastern borders.

The ancient city had many beautiful temples, a pyramid, and cenotes that showcase the Mayans' great skills. Tulum had been abandoned by the late 16th century as European diseases and epidemics wiped out the local population. The city is now in ruins, but it draws visitors from all over the world because of its stunning natural splendour and intriguing Ruinas de Tulum historia.

Architecture & Structure At The Tulum Ruins

Tulum's architecture was reminiscent of other Maya sites on the Yucatán Peninsula's east coast. The buildings' base had low substructure support, and they featured narrow doorways with supporting columns, outward-curving walls, rooms with one or two small windows, an altar at the back walls, and a vaulted roof or beam-and-rubble ceiling.

Tulum was protected by tall sea cliffs on the eastern side, around 3 to 5-m high, 8-m thick, and 400-m long western wall parallel to the sea, and shorter walls spanning the site's width. There were two watchtowers, one each on the northwest and southwest corners, five narrow gateways, and a small cenote that supplied fresh water to the city.

The Tulum archaeological site contains three noteworthy large structures. The El Castillo served as a lighthouse, the Descending God Temple was a temple to a Mayan god, and the Temple of Frescoes served as a Mayan observatory. The Temple of the Initial Series, the House of the Columns, the House of Cenote, and the Templo del Dios del Viento were other secondary structures that illustrate the rich Tulum Ruins history. The beach at the foot of the Tulum Ruins was also crucial to the Tulum settlement because it served as the seaport for trade. It is now a loved location to unwind, swim, and snorkel.

Facts About The Tulum Ruins

One of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula, it draws thousands of visitors every day for its rich Ruinas de Tulum historia.
Tulum is one of the very few walled cities built by the Maya with the ocean protecting the eastern borders and three walls spanning its length.
The ruins are perched atop 12-metre cliffs along the Caribbean, offering stunning seascape scenery.
With a population of 1,000 to 1,600 Mayans, the city has a long Tulum Ruins history.
The wall parallel to the sea on the western side is three to 5 metres in height, 8 m thick and 400 m long.
The Castillo is 7.5 m tall and the tallest structure in the city.
Tulum was a significant hub for managing trade from Central and South America on land and at sea.
The diving god and the descending god (the god of the bee), deities for the Mayans even today, were revered in Tulum.
Members of the Talking Cross cult occupied Tulum during the Caste War.

FAQ's Of The Tulum Ruins

Is Tulum a wonder of the world?

Tulum ruins are a magnificent archaeological site that draws visitors from all over the world because it houses some of the world's architectural marvels from the past.

Who found Tulum?

Tulum was discovered in 1518 by Juan de Grijalva's Spanish expedition team. John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood published the first detailed description of the ruins in their book Incidents of Travel in Yucatan in 1843.

Can we go to the Tulum ruins without a tour?

Yes, you can go on your own to the Tulum Ruins. However, hiring a guide at the site or taking a guided tour with return transfers will allow you to get a detailed insight into the Tulum Ruins history.

How much does it cost to enter Tulum ruins?

Tulum ruins ticket costs 80 pesos per person and 20 pesos for a return shuttle ride from the parking lot.

Are the Tulum ruins worth seeing?

Yes, Tulum Ruins are worth exploring because they are one of the best-preserved archaeological sites along Mexico's coast and offer a glimpse into the Ruinas de Tulum historia. Its location also makes it worthwhile to visit because it provides an ideal setting for swimming and snorkelling.

Why were the Tulum ruins built?

Tulum was initially constructed as a seaport fortress along the limestone ocean cliffs, and it was walled to keep out intruders.

How old are the ruins at Tulum?

The Mayans constructed Tulum city sometime between 1200 and 1450 AD, making the ruins between 570 and 820 years old.

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