Xochicalco - Pyramid of the Feathered Serpents

(Local Name: Pirámide de las Serpientes Emplumadas) A little further to the north of the sacrifice chamber is the most important building in Xochicalco, the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpents (Pirámide de las Serpientes Emplumadas), which has also been called the Uncovered Monument (Monumento Descubierto). It is thought that this building (base 21 3 18.60 m (69 3 61 ft)) may have been erected to commemorate an important gathering of priest-astronomers.

The building consists of two levels, of which only the lower section has been preserved in its entirety. It is built in the talud-tablero style, although here, in contrast to the building methods customarily employed in Teotihuacán, the sloping wall predominates. On this wall superb bas-reliefs can be seen, depicting eight feathered serpents encircling glyphs and seated human figures. They were once coloured white, red, black, blue and yellow, but were finally painted over completely in red, the colour of death, probably as a sign of imminent destruction. The glyphs on either side of the steps (three symbols of day) possibly indicate an amendment to the sacred calendar. On the sides of the steep face of the building it is possible to distinguish illustrations in relief of seated figures, stylised serpents and calendar glyphs now in poor condition. Above the ledge which juts out over the steep wall of the first storey there is a frieze made up of patterns of stylised shells, which have been connected with the god Quetzalcóatl. The sloping wall, which is partially covered with poorly preserved reliefs, is the only remaining part of the upper section of the building. The outer wall encloses an almost square temple hall (11 3 10.50 m (36 3 33 ft)), which is thought by some researchers, although this theory is disputed, to have been open to the elements, hence the building's name of "Monumento Descubierto". On the right-angled walls on either side of the entrance it is possible to make out the delineation of a coyote and symbols for fire.