The Temple (platform) of the Eagles and Jaguars in Chichen Itza got its name from the reliefs depicting eagles and jaguars devouring human hearts. This temple is the smallest among the many structures forming the Great Plaza, which includes: the Temple of Kukulkan, the Temple of Venus, and the Great Ball Court, and is located between the Temple of Skulls and the Temple of Venus. The platform was likely used for religious and ceremonial purposes with a special emphasis on military supremacy. It is highly probable that there were banners in the form of jaguars with spotted skins, similar to those found in the Sacred Cenote. It is also suggested that this platform had a palisade displaying the skulls of slain enemies; it features eagles and warriors holding human heads in their hands.

The Temple of Eagles and Jaguars consists of a square base with four staircases on each side, bordered by balustrades and decorated with feathered serpent bodies that change their inclination, forming a cube at the top, from which the heads of these serpents protrude. The base has a slope, followed by a vertical wall with projecting panels and a cornice board. Within the base of the structure is a vertical wall with relief panels depicting images related to the movement of the sun across the sky during the day and its descent into the underworld at night. Nearby are images of Kukulkan or Venus in the form of a reclining warrior holding a spear.

Built between 900 and 1200 AD, during the Maya-Toltec era. Just like the temples of Kukulkan and Venus, staircases are located on each of the four sides and lead to the top of the platform. The balustrades (stair railings) are crowned by an ascending feathered serpent—the serpent god Kukulkan. The walls of the structure depict outstretched human figures. Beneath them are images of eagles and jaguars cruelly grasping human hearts.

Eagles and jaguars symbolize warriors who capture victims to feed the sun god. The figures of jaguars and eagles devouring hearts are said to represent warriors responsible for procuring sacrifices for offerings to the gods. The "Eagle Knights" were archers who attacked the enemy before all other warriors engaged in hand-to-hand combat. The aggressive eagles sculpted on the platform walls symbolize this elite VIP group of archers, who stood out on the battlefield by wearing clothing made from the feathers of the bird after which they were named.

The "Jaguar Knights" were believed to be the fiercest members of the army, modeled after those found in other parts of Central Mexico. They fought hand-to-hand, using wooden clubs with obsidian blades at the ends. They covered themselves with armor made from jaguar skins, as well as helmets made from jaguar heads. The jaguar figures depicted soldiers who were often tasked with capturing prisoners for sacrifice to the city gods.

Sources:

https://www.chichenitza.com/the-platform-of-the-eagles-and-jaguars

https://mayanpeninsula.com/en/great-ball-court-chichen-itza/