At the ancient Mayan site of Chichen Itza there are two distinct styles of architecture. Structures here built between 600 and 900AD belong to the latter part of the Maya Classic period. Those built between 900 and 1200AD belong to the Post Classic Period and at Chichen Itza they show a strong Toltec influence as with El Castillo and the Temple Of Warriors shown above. At some time between 900 and 1000AD there was a major infiltration of Toltec culture which merged with rather than overcame the Mayan style. It's certain that these Toltecs arrived from the ancient Toltec capital of Tula which is located 800 mies away (North of Mexico City). Archeologists seem unsure whether there was an actual military invasion or just strong trade links at that time. Tula itself has its own Temple Of The Warriors with apparently very similar features. The structure here is clearly dedicated to the military side of Maya culture and each of the 200 square and round columns that surround the Temple represenst a warrior. Actual engravings of warriors can be seen on many of them. Obviously you cant see all the columns here but I do have a shot to follow which will show many more than what you see here. The columns originally supported a huge platform upon which it is believed there were other structures used for ceremonial purposes. The section to the right of the temple is known as the Court Of A Thousand Columns so I'm supposing there were once many more that what now remain.