Chichen Itza Worksheet & Fun Facts for Kids
A Chichen Itza worksheet is a great way to introduce kids to the history, culture, and architecture of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This free geography printable explores the ancient Mayan city in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Highlighting iconic landmarks like El Castillo and El Caracol while encouraging students to learn through coloring and research.
Whether you’re studying world landmarks or ancient civilizations, this worksheet makes the learning experience both fun and meaningful.
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Interesting Chichen Itza Facts for Kids
- Chichen Itza is an ancient city located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It was once a thriving Mayan civilization between the 9th and 12th centuries.
- The name “Chichen Itza” means “at the mouth of the well of Itza.” Itza refers to one of the Mayan tribes that inhabited the area.
- Chichen Itza is home to the famous pyramid called El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulcan. It is a 98-foot-tall step pyramid with 365 steps, representing the number of days in a year.
- Every year during the spring and autumn equinoxes (around March 20th and September 22nd), a fascinating phenomenon occurs at El Castillo. As the sun sets, a shadow creates an illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps of the pyramid. This is a tribute to the Mayan snake deity, Kukulcan.
- The Great Ball Court is another remarkable feature of Chichen Itza. It is the largest ball court in Mesoamerica, measuring 545 feet long and 225 feet wide. The ball game played there had religious and political significance to the Mayans.
- Chichen Itza has a cenote, which is a natural sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. The cenote at Chichen Itza is called the Sacred Cenote. It was a place of worship and also used for sacrificial offerings by the ancient Mayans.
- The Observatory, also known as El Caracol, is an impressive building that served as an astronomical observatory for the Mayans.
- Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- The site is full of intricate carvings and sculptures that depict Mayan mythology and historical events. These include representations of jaguars, warriors, feathered serpents, and other deities.
Keep exploring with our free North America geography worksheets.
Chichen Itza Research
Step back in time and explore the incredible ruins of Chichen Itza, a center of Mayan history and architecture.
As kids work through the coloring and research activity, they’ll answer key questions that bring this ancient city to life.
Here’s what they’ll investigate on the Chichen Itza worksheet:
Where is it located?
Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
When was it built?
Chichen Itza was built over a long period, starting around the 6th century AD and continuing to the 13th century AD.
Its most significant period of construction and development occurred between the 9th and 12th centuries AD.
What materials were used in making it?
The construction of Chichen Itza involved the use of various materials. The main building material was limestone, which was abundant in the region.
The Mayans quarried and cut the limestone blocks to create the impressive structures that still stand today. They also used timber, thatch, and stucco for roofs, decorative elements, and finishes.
Who built it?
Chichen Itza was built by multiple generations of Mayan people. It is believed that different ruling dynasties contributed to the construction and expansion of Chichen Itza over time. The site represents the achievements of various Mayan architects, engineers, and artisans.
Why was it built?
The exact reasons for the construction of Chichen Itza are not entirely known, but there are several theories. One theory suggests that it served as an important political and economic center, acting as a hub for trade and commerce in the region.
Chichen Itza also had religious significance, with temples dedicated to Mayan deities. It likely functioned as a ceremonial and pilgrimage site for the Mayan people.
Books about Chichen Itza for kids
These kid-friendly books offer a deeper look into the history and culture of Chichen Itza and the Mayan civilization:
Where Is Chichen Itza? – This illustrated chapter book introduces young readers to the ancient city’s most iconic features—El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote. With accessible language and vivid drawings it makes the story of Chichen Itza both informative and fun.
Maya History for Kids – Perfect for broader context, this book explores the rise and fall of the Maya, including their art, architecture, religion, and everyday life. It’s filled with engaging facts and activities that help kids connect with the people behind sites like Chichen Itza.
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Last Updated on 30 April 2025 by Clare Brown