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Chichén Itzá - The Plaza of a Thousand Columns

by Dorothy and Bill Bell

The Plaza of a Thousand Columns is an interesting eclectic group of buildings surrounding a broad plaza. It is believed to have been used for civic as well as religious purposes.

Located to the south of the Temple of Warriors, the repetitive columns of that temple continue southward forming the western flank of the Thousand Columns Plaza. The structure surrounding the plaza are:

a)    North Colonade

b)    Northeast Colonade

c)    Temple of the Little Tables

d)    The Steam Bath

e)    The Market

f)     Southeast Colonade

g)    Ball Courts

a)    North Colonade

b)    Northeast Colonade

c)    Temple of the Little Tables

d)    The Steam Bath

e)    The Market

The Market or El Mercado

Stretching seventy six meters long, this raised platform is filled with square and round columns that likely supported a thatched or grass roof.

It was named because the early colonists who felt the design was similar to a Spanish Marketplace.

It is now believed that the structure was used for civic and religious purposes. Three large matates, grinding stones, were discovered here likely used in preparing feasts.

f)     Southeast Colonade

g)    Ball Courts

There are two ball courts in this plaza however they are now cordoned off from the public. Both were likely used by the elites of the city and located just beside major monumental areas. They are much smaller than the gigantic Grand Ball Court and more typical of the size of other Mesoamerican courts in the area.

 
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