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Chichen-Itza, Mexico by David Goldberg

Page history last edited by PBworks 16 years, 4 months ago

Astronomical Site at Chichen-Itza  

 

"El Caracol" is the name of the site located in Chichen-Itza, Mexico. The maya created this structure in ancient times to view the stars.    This is also known as an astronomical observatory. The structure's front door and window look out towards the western horizon toward the sunset position on August 13. This site is proof of the Mayan people's interest in astronomy along with many stone carvings that refer to celestial bodies. They were some of the best sky-watchers of their time, carefully observing the motions of celestial bodies. Many of the Mayan buildings were built to align with certain reocurring astronomical events, such as solstices, equinoxes, the motions of the planets, and the phases on the moon. "El Castillo" is yet another structure located at Chichen-Itza. Most of this pyramid has been restored to its original design, although some areas still show signs of erosion. The mayans designed this building so that a "snake" aparition appears in the form of a shadow at the spring and fall equinoxes. The buildings at Chichen-Itza are the most intact of the Mayan ruins. The layout of the Chichen-Itza appears below.

 

 

     

 

 

It is thought to believe the site was abandoned around the tenth century, as with all other Mayan establishments. The reason for this is not known. The Mayans left the site only to return at 1000 AD.

 

 

 

    

 

"El Caracol"                                                                                     "El Castillo"

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

 

http://www.world-mysteries.com/chichen_index.htm 

 

http://www.world-mysteries.com/alignments/mpl_al2c.htm#Chichen

 

Comments (1)

Dave Goldberg said

at 4:18 pm on Oct 23, 2008

good work!! best I've seen in years!

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