7 Most Amazing Pyramids in Mexico

Several architectural structures have been built in modern-day Mexico throughout the passage of human existence. The Aztecs, Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mayans built many structures that immortalised them in public memory. It is not known to us just how many pyramids these people built, but out of those still standing, most belong to the period of the Mayan people. These ancient heritage sites are architectural wonders that attract thousands of tourists annually. These are the 7 Most Amazing Pyramids located in Mexico,

Pyramids in Mexico

1. Castillo de Kukulcán

The Mayan city of Chichèn Itzà was designed to be centred around this temple, dedicated to a Mayan God depicted as a feathered serpent. It was designed in such a manner that on equinoxes the angle of the sunlight would hit the step pyramid in such a manner. that it would create a shadow mimicking a snake’s descent to Earth.

This pyramid was thus vital to the people to tell the passing of time, in hours as well as days. The pyramid is twenty-four metres high and, the steps on all four sides of the structure are said to equal to the number three hundred and sixty-five. These incredible architectural features as well as its historical significance and lush green backdrop helped it secure the title of one of the seven wonders of the world in 2007.

Also Read: 10 Oldest Buildings in the World

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2. Nohoch Mul Pyramid

This pyramid in Coba was a major site around which Mayan settlement flourished between 400 to 1000 CE. Nohoch Mul literally translates to “tall mound”. This is true of this structure which is the second tallest pyramid ever built by the Mayan people. Though the purpose of the structure is not completely clear, many believe it to have religious and ritualistic significance, an assumption based on the interpretation of the carving of two figures on the doorway of the temple, believed to depict gods.

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3. Pyramid of the Sun

Located in the Teotihuacàn, a site that has witnessed cultures even predating the Mayans, such as that of the Miztec and Zapotec people. This Pyramid is considered to be an absolute must-see as the largest pyramid of the Mayan period. Archaeologists have confirmed the structure’s use for fire and water rituals, based on remains found in the pit of the pyramid.

They also found a statue of Huehueteotl, a widely worshipped Meso-American idol. The Pyramid of the Sun, believed to be constructed around 200 BCE, stands 63m tall with several underground tunnels. This structure also finds itself in the Mayan lore about creation, wherein it was believed that the first humans emerged out of or were birthed by the tunnels network underneath the pyramid.

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4. Pyramid of the Moon

Located on the opposite end of the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacàn, across from the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon also appears to have religious significance. Archaeologists believe that this pyramid was used as a temple to worship the Great Goddess of creation, fertility and water. This Pyramid is made of structures of multiple pyramids built on each other. It rises upto 43 m. The Pyramid of the moon is the second largest pyramid of the Mayan civilization, after the Pyramid of the Sun.

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5. The Great Pyramid of Calakmul

One of the Pyramids in Mexico standing at a height of 45 m, The Great Pyramid of Calakmul is located in Yucatan, the city of snakes. It is set in the picturesque backdrop of the Calakmul bio-reserve. This pyramid has a massive base spread over five hectares of land. Archaeologists have discovered nine royal tombs also filled with wealth in the structure, as well as some shrines.

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6. The Pyramid of the Magician

Many believe that the Pyramid of the Magician in the city of Uxmal was of religious significance. Others believe that it was the teaching place for secret societies of the time. A distinguishing feature of the structure is that it is said to be aligned with the movement of the planet Venus as well as the solstice.

The Pyramid is at the centre of a popular folktale according to which Intzamna, a dwarf magician god, built the temple in the span of a day, with the assistance of his mother, a practising witch. Archaeologists estimate that the Pyramid dates as far back in time as 600 CE, with the last round of improvisations in 1000 CE. They have also found beautiful stone works and carvings adorning the entire pyramid. It is largely believed that this pyramid was a temple used occasionally for sacred rituals.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Famous Monuments of Ancient Egypt

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7. The Pyramid of the Niches

Located at El Tajìn, the Pyramid of the Niches was constructed between 1100 and 1150 CE. This pyramid has four sides with seven stepped terraces. It stands at a height of 20 metres and is rich in its numeric representation of time. There are 365 niches in the structure, depicting the days in a year. In addition, a specific zone of the pyramid has been designed with eighteen niches, which corresponds to the total number of months in a year, according to the calendar of the Meso-Americans. This architectural marvel is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.