Chichen Itza explained to kids

Chichén Itzá was a large city built by the Maya people of Mexico. The city was the capital of the Maya civilization and was one of the largest cities in the world. Chichén Itzá was built around 600 AD and was abandoned around 1200 AD. The city was rediscovered in the 1800s and has since been excavated and studied by archaeologists. Chichén Itzá is best known for its huge pyramid, called the Temple of Kukulcan. The pyramid is about 30 meters (100 feet) tall and has a staircase leading to the top. There are also many other buildings and monuments at Chichén Itzá, including the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Observatory. The Maya people were very skilled at astronomy, and they used the Observatory to study the stars. The Temple of Kukulcan is aligned with the path of the sun, and on the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun shines on the staircase of the pyramid and creates the illusion of a snake descending the stairs. Every year, thousands of people visit Chichén Itzá to see the pyramid and other buildings. The city is also a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers.