Mayan Observatory Complex (boxed)

This building is closely modelled after the Mayan observatory building in the ancient city of Chichen Itza. It is called "El Caracol" (the snail) in Spanish, because of the spiral staircase inside the tower.

Most Mayan temples were rectangular shaped pyramids, however cylindrical temples such as these were common in all mesoamerican cultures and were usually dedicated to the wind god - the Mayan god Hurakan, known as Ehecatl to the Aztecs.

This temple served as a man-made marker, and provided a way for the Maya people to observe changes in the sky. It was specifically designed to be aligned with the motions of the planet Venus. Venus had tremendous significance for the Maya; this bright planet was considered the sun’s twin and a war god. Mayan leaders used the changing position of Venus to plan appropriate times to conduct warfare.

This building is sold as Copy&Mod. The whole complex that includes the observatory and the surrounding buildings (as seen in the screenshots) is 44 prims, however the observatory tower alone is only 19 prims.