Chichen Itza Among New 7 Wonders of the World

The New 7 Wonders of the World have been announced, and the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá is among the winners. Chichen Itza is one of the Yucatan Peninsula's most impressive archaeological sites, covering over four square miles. At its peak between 750 and 1200 A.D., the city was the political and economic center of the Maya area at the time. The site gives clear evidence of the advances of the ancient Mayan culture in astronomy and art, as well as giving important insight into their religion. View photos of Chichén Itzá.

These are the other Wonders that were selected among 21 finalists:

• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Christ Redeemer, Brazil
• The Great Wall, China
• Petra, Jordan
• The Roman Colloseum, Italy
• The Taj Mahal, India

_{Photo of Chichen Itza's El Caracol by Guillermo Aldana, courtesy of the Mexican Tourism Board}