El Castillo, Chichén Itzá

A reconstruction of a famous Mayan temple, located at Chichén Itzá, Mexico. Construction of this grand pyramid started sometime in the 5th century A.D, and was completed around the 12th century. This is a nine step pyramid, dedicated to Kukulcán, the Mayan serpent god. Two serpent heads can be seen at the base of the steps leading up to the temple. During both the Spring and Fall solstices, a shadow is cast on the side of the steps, mimicking the shape of a serpent descending. After the city of Chichén Itzá was abandoned in the 15th century, the jungle and terrain had swallowed the city entirely, and wouldn't be excavated or discovered for another 500 years. Today, El Castillo is one of the most recognizable buildings in history, and the city of Chichén Itzá is visited by tourists and archaeologists all around the world.