These walled cities are few. Research indicates that the Mayan ruins of Tulum were formerly known as Zama, which meant “dawn.” Given its location, this name seems appropriate. The site was named ‘Tulum’ before the visit of explorers Stephens and Catherwood in 1841. This was just before the Caste War of 1847. Here the city was abandoned and left in ruins. The felling of trees was ordered. Catherwood made several illustrations of temples, which were later published in the book ‘Travel Incidents in Yucatán’. The discovery of Tulum is often attributed to Juan José Gálvez.
The site dates back to 564 AD. An inscription on a stela indicates this. Tulum thus belongs to the Classic period. The city witnessed the activity much later, from 1200 to 1521 AD This was during the postclassic period. Tulum served as an important link in Maya’s extensive business network. The city saw a convergence of land and sea routes.
Artifacts excavated at the site indicate contacts from central Mexico to Central America. The bells and copper rings indicate the presence of the Mexican highland culture. The flint and ceramics were obtained from Yucatan jade. Juan de Grijalva and his men were perhaps the first Europeans to see Tulum. They sailed along the eastern coast of Yucatán in 1518. The Spanish returned years later to conquer the peninsula. They brought with them Old World diseases that destroyed the native population. Therefore, like many cities, Tulum was abandoned.
Visitors can glimpse the main center of Tulum both ceremonially and politically when they arrive at the pre-Hispanic site. The city was monumentally surrounded by the best known Mayan wall. Around this wall were a large number of wooden houses and palm trees. Currently, this area is not accessible and there is no evidence of these houses.
The square, which is located in the center of the city, was in all probability used for ceremonies and rituals. It is flanked by a Castle or castle to the west. El Castillo is often touted as the tallest building in Tulum. It is often referred to as the lighthouse. It is located on the cliff mentioned above. It offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the coastline. This structure went through several stages of construction. The superior rooms are carved with the feathered serpent motif. The rooms are vaulted in a classic style of the Mayan culture.
The Temple of the Descending God is another intriguing structure. The façade included a sculpted head-down figure. The interior walls show traces of ancient pigments used by the Mayans. The figure is believed to represent a deity, where Tulum appears to be at the center of the cult.