Chichen Itza vs. Tula

Pyramid B at Tula
http://www.worldarchitecturemap.org/buildings/pyramid-b-tula

Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza
http://archaeology.about.com/od/archaeologic7/ig/Chichen-Itza/
Temple-of-the-Warriors.htm

Today I will be virtually touring the Yucatecan site of Chichen Itza and the Toltec site of Tula in order to examine the similarities in architecture between Pyramid B at Tula and the Temple of the Warriors at Chichén Itzá. Located 800 miles apart, the striking similarities in the architecture of the sites has been an interesting topic of debate as to how they share so many similarities. It has long been argued that Chichen Itza’s Toltec building traits are a result of an invasion of the Toltecs of Tula. More recently, historians have pointed to trade as a possible factor in the influence of Toltec culture on the architecture of Chichen Itza.

The interesting fact about the similarities between Chichen Itza and Tula is that they are unique to the two sites and not seen widely throughout Mayan architecture in Mexico. Both Pyramid B at Tula and the Temple of the Warriors at Chichén Itzá are adorned with the Toltec symbol of the Feathered Serpent.  As well, the columns at both sites are adorned with images of Toltec Warriors. The structures consist of stacked platforms that decrease in size as they are stacked upon each other, a style that is reminiscent of Teotihuacan. Both structures are surrounded my numerous columns and feature a main processional stairway at the center of the front of the pyramids. While these similarities are abundant, the Chichen Itza Temple of Warriors is much larger and more elaborate than Pyramid B at Tula.

I would argue that the similarities in architectural style between the two sites are not a result of a Toltec invasion of Chichen Itza. I think it is far more plausible that the stylistic similarities could be attributed to trading practices between the cultures. It is likely that the Toltec style found at Chichen Itza is a result of cultural influence often a result of trade between cultures.