El Caracol

El Caracol is an ancient Mayan structure located in the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, Mexico. Built around the 10th century, it features a circular design resembling a snail shell, hence the name "El Caracol," which means "the snail" in Spanish. This structure is believed to have functioned as an astronomical observatory, allowing the Mayans to study celestial movements, including the motion of the planets and stars. El Caracol's unique architecture and alignment suggest that it played a significant role in the Mayans' agricultural calendar and religious ceremonies tied to their understanding of the cosmos.