A German tourist and another man were arrested in Mexico after climbing a Maya pyramid during a four-day spring equinox celebration.
The 38-year-old German tourist, whose name has not been released, was part of the crowd gathered to witness the spring equinox at the Kukulcan Temple, also known as El Castillo, one of the most iconic structures in Chichen Itza, located in the Yucatan state. This ancient building is considered one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World and is believed to have been constructed to assist the Mayans in their astronomical efforts and to honor the winged serpent god, Kukulcan.
Last week, around 9,000 tourists gathered at the base of the ancient temple to witness the spring equinox and observe the iconic phenomenon that occurs every year, according to Mexico News Daily.
In a video obtained by Sky News, the German tourist is seen climbing the pyramid’s steps to reach an inner room. However, before entering, he was arrested and escorted away by officials from the historical site.
The morning after the incident, the tourist was accompanied by officers from the Mexican National Guard and staff from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) when he was attacked by several members of the crowd.
“You are not allowed to climb the temple!” – someone is heard shouting in the video, while another person calls him an “idiot.” Some onlookers began to grab and beat the tourist, claiming he should be “sacrificed,” according to the traditions of the ancient Maya civilization.
