Rise of Chichen Itza (850)

Timeline

1. c. 850–870Chichen Itza · Yucatan PeninsulaThe city-state absorbed migrants from the collapsing southern lowlands; settlements rapidly grew, and planning began for large plazas and ceremonial centers, laying the foundation for later monumental building projects.
2. c. 870–900Chichen Itza ceremonial center · Yucatan PeninsulaConstruction of the Kukulcan (feathered serpent) pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors fused Maya and Toltec artistic styles, reflecting Chichen Itza's religious authority and political ambition as a rising northern hegemon.
3. c. 900Northern Yucatan Peninsula · Yucatan PeninsulaThrough military expansion and networks of alliances, Chichen Itza controlled most city-states of the northern Yucatan Peninsula, replacing the southern lowland cities as the most important political center of the Maya world and opening a brilliant Postclassic phase.