The Cuadripartite world of Mesoamerica: focused on Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza's Kulkulcan Temple embodies the Mesoamerican concept of a 'cuadripartite world,' where cardinal directions (east, west, south, north) represent not just linear paths but spatial and temporal dimensions shaped by mythological steps of gods. This architectural marvel symbolizes global dominance through its alignment with these directions, reflecting the ruling elite's mastery of calendrical knowledge—a key tool for asserting authority during periods of cultural convergence in Chichen Itza. The study deciphers how the temple's design encodes cosmological narratives, blending astronomical precision with symbolic power to project divine legitimacy and territorial control.

Chung, H. J. (2021). The Cuadripartite world of Mesoamerica: focused on Chichen Itza. Latin American and Caribbean Studies, 40(1), 369–399. https://doi.org/10.17855/jlas.2021.2.40.1.369