HISTORY OF THE REGION
Mayapán was one of the last independent Maya cities, flourishing from the 12th to the 15th century. It became the political and cultural capital of the Maya in the northern Yucatán region after the decline of Chichen Itza. The city’s fall in the 15th century marks the end of the classical Maya era. Mayapán was ruled by a confederacy of Maya families and is considered to be the last city where the classic Maya traditions and rituals were practiced before the Spanish conquest.
For travelers, Mayapán offers a great historical backdrop for understanding the last years of the ancient Maya civilization. The city contains numerous temples, plazas, and the remnants of its defensive walls, offering an opportunity to experience the final moments of Maya culture before its fall. The structure of the city is well-planned, and many of the ruins reflect the engineering expertise of the Maya. Visiting Mayapán is particularly fascinating for those interested in the social and political organization of the Maya in their later years.
