Ancient Maya Used Watchtowers to Observe Equinoxes and Solstices ANI
go to original October 6, 2012

Picture provided by the National Anthropology and History Institute, that shows the Great ballgame in the archaeological zone of Chichen Itzá, México. (EFE/INAH)

Archaeologists in Mexico have discovered watchtower-style structures at the temple complex of Chichen Itza, which they believe was used by ancient Maya 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.

So as to determine their use, archaeologists first had to rebuild the small, stone-roofed structures, each of which has a narrow slit running through it, the Daily Mail reported.

According to government archaeologist Jose Huchim, he has found that the sun's rays shine into the slits at the winter solstice, and at another angle on the equinoxes.

The sun played an important role in Maya culture, for religious as well as agricultural reasons, the National Institute of Anthropology and History said in a statement on Thursday.

For instance, equinoxes and solstices were key dates in the calendar for corn cultivation.

Archaeologists believe the Maya ball game was itself an analogy for the sun's journey through the sky: "The sun's course - that is, rising from the east, reaching the zenith and being hidden in the west - is at a given time reproduced through the movement of the ball during the practice of ritual," Huchim said.

Huchim said that stairways to the structures are being restored so visitors can observe the phenomenon.

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