By 900 A.D. all the Southern Classic sites were abandoned or in decline. Dated monument building came to a stop. The period after about 1000 A.D. is known as the Post Classic. In the northern region Chichen Itza continued to flourish until about 1200. By this time new construction at Chichen Itza ceased and the city center fell into disuse. The site has remained an important pilgrammige destination into historical times. The rise of Mayapan occurs after this demise of Chichen Itza.

Mayapan is one of a few walled Maya cities. The site itself is considered a minor site for tourist buses, but it is a well worth a visit. The city flourished between 1250 A.D. and 1450 and has several impressive features. A circular building is somewhat unusal and the grounds had broken statues stewen here and there. Mayapan was the center of a large alliance of people. Many provinces had allegiance to Mayapan, but the walls are defensive structures and demographic data indicates that it was a densely inhabitated city within the walls. It is estimated that 12,000 inhabitants lived with the 4 square kilometer area enclosed by the wall. A truly dense city.

Tulum, on the Quintana Roo coast, is contemporaneous with Mayapan and with nearby Tancah; all date from the Post Classic. Situated above the Carribean on a limestone bluff, the site is quite spectacular. Also a walled city, Tulum has its own protected harbour. Where the bluffs are worn down, a small beach provides seaward access. Although the buildings are obviously of rougher construction than almost any other Mayan site (even considering a plaster coat)--murals found in one of the temples are still visible and the original colors discernable. Toltec style figures are depicted with plants and animals.

©1996 Ken Goehring