El Caracol, also known as "The Observatory," is a unique structure located within the archaeological site of Chichen Itza in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. This structure is one of the most intriguing and significant edifices due to its astronomical functions and architectural design.
El Caracol was constructed by the Maya civilization during the Late Classic period (around 600-900 AD). Its primary purpose was believed to be the observation of astronomical phenomena, particularly for religious and agricultural purposes. The building's name, which means "snail" in Spanish, comes from its spiral staircase that leads to the top, giving it a snail-like appearance.
The building features several observational windows, slits, and doorways, which align with various celestial events:
The design includes:
El Caracol was not only an observatory but also a temple where priests could perform rituals associated with celestial events. Its alignment with key astronomical events suggests that:
The site was first excavated by the Carnegie Institution of Washington in the 1920s, with further work done in the 1930s. Over time, several restorations have been carried out to preserve the structure, although some original details might have been lost or altered due to these efforts.