1/6 One of my mini-hobbies is dating photos of #ChichenItza. These amazing aerial shots are said to be from 1933; possible, but unlikely. The pyramid El Castillo in one is under restoration and in the other it's finished, indicating different years. Let's play 'The #DatingGame!' https://twitter.com/palaciocanton/status/1245726238045548545

2/6 This thread will date the older photograph. Because it's an aerial, we know it's July 1929 or later as that's the first photoed flight over the ruins. #CharlesLindbergh flew over Yucatan in 1927 (7 mos. after crossing the Atlantic), but no photos exist; he returned late 1929.

3/6 The structure known as the Temple of the Warriors in the upper left had been completed in 1928 by the Carnegie Institution. That's no help. Let's focus on the #ChichenItza's pyramid El Castillo, which very clearly is in mid-consolidation/reconstruction. #DatingGame

4/6 Mexican archaeologists and crew in 1926 began rebuilding the pyramid, a project that went for several years. They made detailed reports of the progress. The side facing the camera, west, was begun in 1929, and three sections were completed. BINGO! #ChichenItza #DatingGame

5/6 In the 1930 season (usually Jan-early summer), the Mexico team began and finished restoration of the west staircase; it has not even been started. This must be a very early photograph, probably from the first aerial expedition of JULY 1929! #DatingGame #ChichenItza

6/6 Why not from the #CharlesLindbergh expedition of Dec. 1929? It's possible, but unlikely. Those photos were not as sharp and it had been a cloudy day. Here's a detail from one.

Thanks for playing the #DatingGame! This one was easy; the next one, not so much. Stay tuned!