hidden within a Mexican mountain lies the world's largest pyramid; unveiling its secrets
In the heart of Puebla, Mexico, lies a historical marvel that eclipses even the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt - the Great Pyramid of Cholula. This colossal structure, known as *Tlachihualtépetl* in Nahuatl, meaning "man-made mountain," is the largest pyramid in the world by volume, according to Guinness World Records.
Covering around 154 hectares (0.59 sq mi), the archaeological zone where the pyramid is located is a testament to the grandeur of its builders. The pyramid's base measures 300 by 315 meters (984 by 1,033 feet), and its total volume exceeds 4.45 million cubic meters (157 million cubic feet). Despite its immense size, the visible height of the pyramid today is approximately 25 meters (82 feet), with some sources mistakenly reporting a taller height.
The pyramid was built in four main stages from about 300 BC to 900 AD, with each stage representing a different ethnic group that dominated it. The construction period culminated during the Postclassic Period, where as many as 400 human burials were recovered near the pyramid.
The pyramid was dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl and served as a major religious site. It shows architectural influences from Teotihuacan and civilizations along the Gulf of Mexico. The site where the pyramid was built was once known as Acholollan, meaning "place of flight" in Nahuatl.
The pyramid is home to the largest archaeological site of a pyramid (temple) in the New World and the world's largest pyramid. Adolph Bandelier, a Swiss-born American archaeologist, began studying the pyramid in 1881. The pyramid is made of six superimposed structures, each belonging to an ethnic group that dominated it.
The pyramid is believed to have been considered sacred to a rain goddess called Chiconauhquiauhitl (Goddess of the Nine Rains). The pyramid's true size was obscured by the construction of a church on top by the Spanish, but much of the pyramid remains buried beneath the soil, hidden from the Spanish conquistadores.
The excavations resulted in up to eight kilometers of tunnels, some of which are open to the public. Many of the items excavated from the pyramid's surroundings ended up in the United States. The pyramid is located in the city of Cholula, west of Puebla, Mexico, and it remains a significant attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, a testament to the grandeur of its builders, boasts a rich mythological connection to the god Quetzalcoatl and serves as a major religious site. As one travels to Cholula, Mexico, this archaeological marvel offers a unique blend of history, lifestyle, and mythology, inviting visitors to delve into the lives of civilizations long past while exploring the largest pyramid in the world by volume.
