Tulum sits
at the top of coastal cliffs and served as a major land and sea trade hub
distributing to nearby Coba and then to cities further inland. The City was
once named Zama meaning the City of the Dawn as it faces the sunrise. All
commodities on the Yucatan landed in Tulum and went straight to Coba where they
were taxed and distributed. For the same reason, some of the richest Families
lived at the well fortified site.
Salt and
textiles were the main imports as well as Obsidian mined in the Guatemala
Highlands. Exports included copper items from inland sources and feathers.
Transporters traveled South to river systems taking them inland like the Rio
Motagua and the Rio Usumacincta/Pasion. Metals, Stones and Minerals were mined
in the highlands of Guatemala and Southern Mexico and transported back to the
Atlantic Ocean eventually landing in Tulum.
Obsidian
(volcanic ash) is one of several stones and minerals used for sacrifice and
bloodletting rituals, everyday objects and alter decorations. Chert (flint),
Jadeite, Iron Pyrite, Cinnabar, Hematite were also traded through Tutum and
distributed through Coba. Each mining City of origin had work centers to prep
raw materials into ambiguous shapes. Each city had work centers to transform
raw materials into weapons, household items, decor and whatever else they
needed for everyday life with their regional and personal art.
There are
three major pyramid structures on the site. The Pyramid El Castille was used
for worship and guiding canoes to the port City. There are two small lookout
windows facing the water Mayans used for security. The Temple of the Frescoes
was used as an observatory tracking the movements of the sun and the Temple of
the Descending Gods was used for ceremony and ritual sacrifice. The site also
features a community alter temple in the center of what was once a residential
neighborhood inhabited by the rich noble lords.
It was the
first Mayan site where I could really see what life may have been like for
these ancient people. Looking at the housing structures, one can imagine a
living room, sleeping quarters and cooking spaces. The community temple would
have been adorned with offerings from residents and visitors moving goods
through the City.
There is a
small cenotes at the northern end of the City which would have supplied water
to everyone living here and a security wall extending from the coastal cliff
and surrounding part of the houses. The wall is 9 - 16 ft in height and 26 ft
thick and runs 400 meters. This wall, the Ocean and the use of watchtowers at
each inland corner made Tulum one of the most fortified Mayan Cities in ancient
Mesoamerica. Tulum experienced the height of its civilization in the Post
Classic Period around AD 1200 and remained occupied until the Spaniards arrived
in the 16th Century. The site was completely abandoned at the end of the 16th
Century.
I booked
the excursion through Barcelo Grand Maya Resort. It is a 1/2 day excursion and
does not include lunch, though there are several restaurants at the entrance to
the archeological site next to an outdoor air market. Here, vendors offer
tourists commemorative souvenirs, local art, clothing and more. Vendors
negotiate the price of each item, so it is good to have money on hand from both
countries to get the best deal.
There is a
lot of walking in Tulum, so be prepared with comfortable shoes. There is a tram
from the parking lot to the park entrance making rounds throughout the day. If
You have someone in Your party unable to walk long distances, it is the best
option. The tram only takes Mexico's currency. The beach is spectacular and
open daily for swimming, so swim gear if You plan on enjoying ocean activities.
There are stairs leading down to a small public beach. Caribbean crystal blue
waters meet sand and cliff for a perfect swimming experience. Tulum is very
windy so, My sun hat was a nuisance. Stay tuned for reviews of the Barcelo Grand Maya Resort!
