Cholula - Temple Pyramid

Cholula's great temple pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcóatl, pale-skinned, bearded god of the wind who was also identified with Venus, the Morning and Evening Star. In the mythology of the peoples of Meso-America it was he who, representing the forces of technology and civilisation, brought them knowledge of the arts, sciences and agriculture.

The pyramid, almost completely buried beneath a layer of soil and vegetation, is the largest such structure in the world. Measuring 425 m (1400 ft) along each side at the base, it once stood over 62 m (200 ft) high and occupied an area of some 17 ha (42 acres). Over a period of about 1500 years it was enlarged on seven occasions by a process of superimposition, until the total interior area amounted to some 3.4 million sq. mi. (4 million sq. yd). Up to now reconstruction has been confined to a section of the west side. Exploratory work so far carried out, involving excavation of almost 9km/5.6mi of passageways, has revealed not only the remains of platforms, living quarters, temple walls and patios but also a curious stairway and interesting frescos.