El Caracol at Chichen Itza, Mexico - Encircle Photos

26 El Caracol at Chichen Itza, Mexico

El Caracol derived its name from its snail-like appearance. When built between 600 to 850 AD in the Late Classic period, the observatory’s base was aligned with the solstices and the path of Venus, considered to be the Great Star called Xux Ek. The 157.5 foot dome provided unobstructed views of the heavens which were divided into 13 layers. The movements of the sun (the prime giver of life), the moon (a female deity) and the constellations became essential to establishing the Mayan calendar, tracking time, planning for agriculture and scheduling of wars and major celebrations plus religious events. Mayan astrologists were called ilhuica tlamatilizmatini. This means “the wise man who studies heaven.” They were revered almost to the level of a priest.

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El Caracol at Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza Parking Lot, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, México

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