![]() |
|
SantiagoAround the Lake Atitlán Today History Pre Colombian The Conquest Chuitinamit The 1990 Uprising Weaving Art Mayan ReligionFeria Social Projects Local Business Tienda Santiago Links Photo Archive 2005 Disaster Music Festival Virtual Maximon
Lealo en Español |
Chuitinamit
is the current name for Chiya, the capitol of the Tzikinajai moiety, the
main group that was in control of this fortress. They ruled over the rest
of the Tzutujil tribe, and levied tribute over the rest of the groups in
the area, including Chucumuc, the largest of the "peoples villages". At times
the different moiety groups rebelled and tried to break free of the T'zikinajai
influence ( a couple of years before the conquest the T'zikinajai king hired
Caqchiquel mercenaries to put down an uprising in Chucumuk.) but Chiya continued
to be the capitol until the Spanish made everyone move to the current site
of Santiago. It is located on a small hill across the bay from Santiago Atitlan.
Although most of the buildings have eroded through the years, you can still
clearly see the pyramids, plazas, and carvings that made this one of the
most resplendant places in Guatemala at the time of the conquest. The amazing thing is that this incredible ruin is totally ignored by the majority of visiters and there are even very few locals who have spent any time in this ancient capitol.
|