The temple on top was used exclusively by priests who performed sacred rituals at a height that brought them closer to the gods in the sky. Priests ascended one of the four staircases to reach the temple—the pyramid was never meant to be entered.
What is found at the top of the Mayan pyramids?
The first type of pyramid had a temple on the top and was meant to be climbed by the priests to make sacrifices to the gods. The stairs going up the sides of these pyramids were steep, but not too steep for the priests to climb. The most important religious ceremonies were held at the top of these pyramids.
What is on top of Chichen Itza?
Why did they ban climbing Chichen-Itza?
Until 2008 climbing the pyramid was a popular activity for tourists, but this was outlawed to protect the ancient stonework.
Why is it illegal to climb Chichén Itzá?
Climbing the temples at Chichen Itza has been illegal for some 15 years now, with the ban coming into force in 2008 over concerns about the safety of those climbing and the potential long-term damage to the ancient structures themselves.