cross-section of the DOME / 1887 after the first detailed drawings made by FREDERICK CATHERWOOD / 1833
CARACOL / CHICHEN ITZA, got its snail-like shape due to erosion. its function as an astronomical observatory cannot be dismissed, but other functions like a watchtower or beacon should be taken into account. drawing by FREDERICK CATHERWOOD from the book INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL IN CENTRAL AMERICA / 1843, written by JOHN LLOYD STEPHENS