El Tajin

• Location : In the state of Veracruz, 8 miles (12.87 kilometers) southwest of the city of Papantla.
• Culture : Possibly Mayan-Totonac or Teotihuacan
• Lifespan : 600 AD - 1200 AD

Located in the state of Veracruz, the pre-Hispanic site of El Tajin was inhabited from the early 9th to the early 13th centuries and so dates from between the great empires of Teotihuacan and Mexico-Tenochtitlan. It is composed of a series of richly decorated public squares and pyramids, the best known of which is the so-called "Pyramid of the Niches". The well-preserved site, by virtue of its artistic and architectural importance, attests to the grandeur of the pre-Colombian cultures of Mexico.

The site's name comes from a Totonac legend that the twelve old men (called Tajin) who live in the ruins are the lords of the thunderstorms. And they were the equals of the Rain God. So they were very powerful. One interesting thing about El Tajin is that it's believed to be where the famous sacred ball game originated. And there are highly detailed stone carvings that will tell you about the many ceremonies that were common back then. Another outstanding feature is the relatively small - but exquisite - Pyramid of the Niches. It is noted for its beautiful symmetry, carving, and its 365 altars (niches) which are thought to be tied to the 365 days in the solar year.