Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 1846 and 2005
The stepped pyramid temple, El Castillo, at Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, visited by 2.5 million tourists each year. About 50,000 people may have lived in Chichen Itza, with more in its surrounding suburbs at its height in 600 CE. This was a thriving urban center. El Castillo, the highlight of the Chichen Itza site, was the temple of Kulkulkan, a snake-like spirit.
It is situated perfectly so twice a year, the pyramid steps cast a shadow that make it look like Kulkulkan was slithering down the pyramid. In the 1400s, the Mayans abandoned Chichen Itza and El Castillo left to ruin, as seen in the 1846 image. After years of cleanup and restoration, Chichen Itza opened to visitors. In the 2005 image, visitors could climb El Castillo. But due to tourist wear and tear, visitors can no longer make the climb.
