The Platform of Eagles and Jaguars is adorned with four serpent sculptures at the corners plus elaborate carvings along the base. The eagles represent the Eagle Knights, a group of elite Mayan archers. The jaguars are a tribute to the Jaguar Knights. They were highly-skilled and aggressive soldiers noted for their fierce, hand-to-hand combat. The reclining figure is a chacmool, believed to symbolize a slain warrior offering sacrificial gifts to the gods. A similar statue was uncovered at the platform’s base in 1875 by Augustus Le Plongeon, one of fourteen found at Chichen Itza created between 800 – 900 AD. Archeologists estimate Platforma de las Aguilas y los Jaguares was built sometime between 900 – 1200 AD during the Early Postclassic period.
