Detail from the Tzompantli Platform of the Skulls, Chichen Itza Archeological Site, Yucatan Peninsular, Mexico

---

Detail from the Tzompantli Platform of the Skulls Chichen Itza Yucatan Peninsular Mexico. Maya and Toltek archeological site. The function of this platform was to display the skulls of enemies and sacrificed prisoners. Unlike the racks in the Central High Plains this platform displays the skulls in a vertical fashion one above the other. This impressive custom resulted in the creation of lasting monuments to significant acts of war and sacrifice and reflected the obvious intent of frightening neighbours and potentially rebellious subjects.

---

Size: 5121px × 3414px
Location: Mexico
Photo credit: © Travelpix / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: america, ancient, archaeological, archeology, architecture, building, built, calendar, central, chichen, city, civilization, cultural, culture, destination, excavations, heritage, historic, historical, history, holiday, itza, maya, mayan, mesoamerican, mexican, mexico, peninsular, platform, preaztec, precolumbian, prehispanic, puuc, ruin, site, skulls, stone, structure, toltek, tourism, tourist, travel, travelpix, tzompantli, unesco, vacation, world, yucatan