

The western side (facing the town square) was used for religious purposes. The side facing the water had a large fire that served as a way for incoming traders to navigate through the treacherous reefs below.

In the past, it served a dual purpose – both as a lighthouse and a temple for ceremonies. If the history of this ancient site is not enough to trigger your interests, then the actual things to see definitely will.Īlthough the ruins were forgotten for a long time, there has been a substantial effort in the past 100 years to maintain and restore the grounds.Įl Castillo is a sight to behold, perched on the edge of steep cliffs dropping into the ocean below. This was something that occurred throughout North America, where the local populations were unable to deal with the sicknesses brought by the Spanish and other European explorers.

One of the main reasons for this is said to be due to Old World diseases. Why Was Tulum Abandoned?Īlthough the exact reason is unknown, Tulum was completely abandoned by the end of the 16th century. However, the Mayans only built the standing seaside fortress between 1200 – 1450 AD. While a lot of the information about Mayan society has been lost, their archaeological sites offer us glimpses into their way of life.Īccording to evidence, the site may have been occupied since as early as 300 BC.
