Pyramid, Chich  n Itz

Photograph by Paul Nicklen

A pyramid 90 feet tall and a platform adorned with a feathered serpent s head testify to the former glory of Chich n Itz , now a popular tourist destination. This once powerful city was built in about the ninth century, likely aligned with four sacred cenotes and with the sun s seasonal movements.

Nicklen was one of 44 photographers we interviewed for our video portrait series The Photographers on Photography. Watch an intro to the series on Proof. »