La Case de las Aguilas, which translates to The Platform of Eagles and Jaguars, is constructed with a mix of Toltec and Maya styles. It is located right before the Tzompantli. This structure is square-like shape with about a 10-step stairway on all four sides. Atop the edges that decorate the steps are stone carved heads of jaguars and eagles. The stone carved heads are depicted as vicious beast-like creatures devouring human hearts.
These are said to be representations of the warriors who went on a hunt to collect victims, which would be gathered as prisoners and sacrificed to the Mayan gods. What signaled the start of raiding and assaults on other cities was the appearance of the planet Venus as the evening star. As in Mesopotamian civilizations, the evening star marked an important day for religious festivals to the Mayans as well; the appearance of Venus was associated with holy war. Therefore it is probably no accident that the Platform of Venus structure is not located too far from here.
In this structure the Jaguars are said to represent their most fierce military warriors, which would appear to be their infantry troops. The Eagles are said to represent the archers who would fire arrows upon their enemies just in time and with deadly accuracy before the enemy got close enough for hand-to-hand combat. It is also believed that this platform was used for dancing as well as ritual music performances. From the early recordings of the Spanish catholic missionaries we have records of the elaborate musical and theatrical shows the Mayas used to put on. At any rate, try to see if you can see some of the carvings on the Platform through this virtual adventure, but if you go to Chichen, remember that it’s located between the Temple of the Jaguar, the Platform of Venus and the Pyramid of Kukulcan.
