Thompson Werk

Back in September, during my honeymoon to Mexico, my wife and I visited Chichen Itza. While visiting Chichen Itza, we experienced Mayan acoustic/engineering accomplishments as well. This was the first time either of us had seen non-European ruins, and we were in awe of the architectural achievements of the Maya. Having spent a considerable amount of time in Germany and Austria, we had seen impressive Roman ruins. But seeing comparable structures in the New World had a different feel to it. In terms of engineering, here was a civilization capable of building very advanced structures.

Behold the Temple of Kukulkan, Chichen Itza:

If you listened carefully, it is possible to hear what sounds like a bird in the background. The sound is actually the echo resulting from my wife’s clapping. The Temple of Kukulkan demonstrates that the Maya were very capable acoustic engineers. Other sites around Chichen Itza are able to transform sound as well. The Ball Court is able to amplify sound and spread it over a fairly large area, making a few dozen claps sound more like a few hundred.