February 15, 2007 - March 15, 2008

In 1924, a major restoration project began in the ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá. A team assembled by the Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C. ventured into the jungles of the Yucatan to reconstruct the spectacular monument known as The Temple of the Warriors. Among the team's illustrious members were noted archeologists Ann and Earl Morris. Working side by side over 4 long field seasons, the couple helped make archeological history with their innovative work in reclaiming the great stone structure.

"…of all the places I have been and all the things I have seen, nothing exceeds in interest and romance the years I spent in the steaming Yucatan jungles where great white temples rise from tangled deep green forests." — Ann Morris

The project was documented from beginning to end, greatly expanding what was known of the Maya at the time. The magnificence of the site and thoughtful execution of the work can be seen in unique images from the University of Colorado Museum's historic collection of hand-painted glass lantern slides. The personal accounts of Ann and Earl in the exhibit help transport visitors to the site and daily life. They reveal the challenges and inspirations of working in the remote jungles of the Yucatan in the shadow of one of the greatest ancient civilizations found in the western hemisphere.

The task was enormous, the science was demanding and the results remain astounding.

An audiotour for this exhibit, including Ann and Earl Morris' comments, is available in a variety of formats. In the gallery, you can access the audiotour using your cell phone and dialing (408) 795-2173. You can also subscribe to the Temple of the Warriors podcast at the iTunes Store. And finally, you can download the audiotour podcast from our website.