Chichen Itza in Mexico

Why Chichen Itza is special

Of the many major Mayan ruins in Central America, the Chichen Itza archaeological site in Yucatan, Mexico is the best preserved

Mayans
The Mayans were an advanced society. They invented the calendar, devised a hieroglyphic-style writing system, had observatories to map the stars, and built thriving cities like Chichen Itza in the midst of the relentless tropical jungle.

Abandoned
For reasons unknown, Chichen Itza was abandoned in the 10th century - and was soon overrun by jungle growth

The pyramid
Many key buildings have been reclaimed, including the famous Chichen Itza pyramid (see photo). Four broad stairways lead up to the temple at the top, which affords an excellent view of the overall Chichen Itza site. Be forewarned: The exceptionally steep 91-step descent is not for acrophobics.

Two other major attractions
Other Chichen Itza highlights include the wide-and-deep sacrificial Cenote well (human victims were tossed into it alive) and the embellished Ball Court (competing teams tried to hurl a ball through a tiny ring hung high on the wall).

What leading travel books say about Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is overwhelming in its scale, architectural beauty, and history of violence.
Exploring Mexico
Fodor's

The majestic ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the most attractive ancient cities in the world.
Mexico
Michelin Green Guides

Taghe Bostan in Kermanshah

About Tagh-e Bostan in Kermanshah province

(in IRAN)

 Only nine kilometers from Kermanshah city, there is Tagh-e-Bostan village with signs left in it from the Sassanid period (266 - 651 AD). One such sign is the coronation of the Sassanid kings which has been demonstrated on the rocks

On the left side of the reception of Artaxerxes the second`s coronation, there exist two vaults, a smaller one and a bigger one which belong to the Sassanids. The first vault which is the small one has been carved in the mountain during the reign of Shapur and includes two relief sculptures and two inscriptions in the Sassanid Pahlavi

According to the inscriptions the two pictures belong to Shapur the second.
The smaller vault is of greater significance since the two inspcriptions have remained intact from events and act as introductions to the demonstrations of the vault.The bigger vault which contains more demonstrations and delicate carvings, has attracted the attention of historians.
The mouth of the bigger vault is 7.4 meters; it is 7.17 meters deep and 9 meters high. This bigger vault belongs to the era of Khosrow the second known as Parviz

...YES! IRAN IS BEAUTIFUL