CHICHEN-ITZA

chichen-itza, or chichen, an ancient ruined city of yucatan, mexico, situated 22 m. w. of valladolid. the name is derived from that of the itza, a tribe of the great mayan stock, which formerly inhabited the city, and _chichen_, having reference probably to two wells or pools which doubtless originally supplied the inhabitants with water and are still in existence. the history of the city is unknown, though it is regarded as probable that it preserved its independence long after the spaniards had taken possession of the rest of the district. the area covered by the ruins is approximately 1 sq. m., and other remains are found in the neighbouring forest. (see central america: _archaeology_.)