Ancient Maya watchtowers marked astronomical seasons with sun shining into slits during solstices and equinoxes

Rain's picture

Mail Online - 10/5/12

Experts in Mexico say they have determined that the ancient Maya used watchtower-style structures at the temple complex of Chichen Itza to observe the equinoxes and solstices.

The bases of the structures were found atop the walls of the long ceremonial court, where a ritual ball game was played. But to determine their use, archaeologists first had to rebuild the small, stone-roofed structures.

Each of the structures has a narrow slit running through it.

A view of El Castillo the Pyramid At Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. In the foreground is a watchtower while a pyramid stands in the background

A view of El Castillo the Pyramid At Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. In the foreground is a watchtower while a pyramid stands in the background

 

To read the rest of this story, visit DailyMail.co.uk.

Category: