Great Pyramid of Cholula
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, known as Tlachihualtepetl or "constructed mountain" in Nahuatl, is the largest pyramid by volume in the world at approximately 4.45 million cubic meters. Standing 25 meters (82 feet) above the surrounding plain in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, this massive adobe brick structure measures 300 by 315 meters (984 by 1,033 feet) at its base. Today, visitors see what appears to be a large hill topped by a colonial-era church, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, built by Spanish conquistadors who were unaware of the pyramid beneath. The site represents one of the most significant archaeological complexes in Mesoamerica, traditionally viewed as having been dedicated to the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Ancient astronaut theorists have suggested that Aztec mythology describing the pyramid's construction by a giant being associated with Venus may point to extraterrestrial intervention, and note intriguing parallels between Mesoamerican and Egyptian astronomical knowledge. However, archaeological evidence indicates the pyramid was built gradually over approximately 1,400 years beginning around 300 BC by the Olmecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs using locally available materials and labor—a timeline and construction method consistent with other major Mesoamerican ceremonial centers. The shared astronomical sophistication between distant civilizations likely reflects independent human observation of the night sky rather than a common extraterrestrial source.
Timeline
Initial construction begins by the Olmecs
Major construction phase showing Teotihuacan architectural influence
Continued modifications and additions by Toltec and later cultures
Spanish conquest leads to abandonment and construction of Catholic church on top
Archaeological excavations begin, revealing the pyramid's true nature
What the Show Claims
- ›The Aztecs themselves did not believe the pyramid was built by ordinary humans but by a giant being associated with the planet Venus, suggesting an extraterrestrial or superhuman builderS01E03S12E04
- ›Shared astronomical knowledge between the Aztecs and Egyptians despite being half a world apart points to possible ancient contact or common sourceS01E03S12E04
Theorist Takes
“Mainstream archaeologists are telling us that all these civilizations around the world-- in the Americas, on remote Pacific islands, in Asia and Africa and Europe-- that they're all disconnected with each other... But really, it has to be the other way around. All of these ancient civilizations were connected in some way.”
From the Transcripts
“Cholula, Mexico is home to the largest pyramid in the world. More than 3,000 years old, it is estimated that it took approximately 1,400 years to complete.”
What Archaeology Says
Archaeological excavations beginning in 1931 have revealed a complex construction history spanning over 1,400 years. The pyramid was built in multiple phases, with each successive culture adding new layers and modifications to the existing structure. Researchers have identified distinct architectural influences from various Mesoamerican civilizations, with the most prominent being the Teotihuacan style evident in the Valley of Mexico, though Gulf Coast influences from sites like El Tajín are also apparent.
Scientific consensus attributes the pyramid's initial construction to the Olmecs around 300 BC, with subsequent major building phases occurring during the Classic period when Teotihuacan influence was strongest. The structure served as a major religious center for successive cultures including the Toltecs and later the Aztecs, who continued to use and modify the site until the Spanish conquest. Archaeological evidence indicates the pyramid was used for various religious rituals, including human sacrifice, as evidenced by discovered burial sites and ceremonial artifacts.
Despite extensive excavation work, much of the pyramid's interior remains unexplored due to its massive size and the structural challenges of tunneling through the adobe construction. The exact sequence of construction phases and the specific religious practices that took place at different levels of the pyramid are still being researched. Additionally, the full extent of the complex and its relationship to the surrounding urban center of ancient Cholula continues to yield new discoveries as archaeological work progresses.
Mysteries & Fun Facts
The pyramid is larger by volume than the Great Pyramid of Giza, though significantly shorter in height
Spanish conquistadors unknowingly built a Catholic church directly on top of the ancient pyramid
The site contains several kilometers of tunnels that archaeologists use to study the pyramid's interior construction
The name Tlachihualtepetl means "constructed mountain" in the Nahuatl language
Planning a Visit
The site is generally accessible to visitors and includes a museum and several kilometers of tunnels that allow exploration of the pyramid's interior structure. The colonial church on top provides panoramic views of the surrounding valley and distant volcanoes.
Puebla, approximately 10 kilometers away
The dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable weather conditions. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and heat.
Related Sites
Teotihuacan
Shows clear architectural influence on Cholula's construction style and shares similar pyramid-building techniques
Chichen Itza
Another major Mesoamerican pyramid complex dedicated to Quetzalcoatl/Kukulkan with astronomical alignments
Palenque
Represents another significant Mesoamerican ceremonial center with complex religious architecture and hieroglyphic inscriptions
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Historical data sourced from Wikipedia