List of Mesoamerican pyramids facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Mesoamerica is a historical region in North America that was home to many amazing ancient civilizations. These civilizations, like the Olmecs, Maya, Toltecs, and Aztecs, built incredible structures. Among their most famous creations are the large, stepped buildings often called pyramids. However, these are not true pyramids like those in ancient Egypt. Instead, they are usually platforms or temples built in layers.

These structures were built over many centuries, often by different city-states. Each city-state had its own unique building style. Most of these impressive buildings were made from stone and mortar. Some of the very first ones might have even been made from clay. They served many purposes, from religious temples to burial sites for important leaders.

What are Mesoamerican Pyramids?

Mesoamerican pyramids are large, stepped structures built by ancient civilizations in what is now Mexico and Central America. Unlike the smooth-sided pyramids of Egypt, these are typically made of several layers or platforms. Each layer is smaller than the one below it, creating a stepped appearance. At the very top, there was often a temple or another important building.

These structures were central to the lives of the people who built them. They were places for religious ceremonies, sacrifices, and astronomical observations. Some also served as tombs for rulers or important people.

Famous Pyramids in Mexico

Mexico is home to some of the largest and most well-known Mesoamerican pyramids. These structures show the incredible skill and knowledge of the ancient people.

Great Pyramid of Cholula

The Great Pyramid of Cholula is near Puebla, Mexico. It is the largest pyramid in the world by volume! It's also the biggest human-made monument in all of the Americas. This massive structure was built by the Aztec people between 300 BCE and 800 CE. It was used for religious purposes.

Pyramid of the Sun and Moon

At the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico, you can find two huge pyramids: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is about 71 meters (233 feet) tall. It was built around 100 BCE by the Teotihuacano people. The Pyramid of the Moon is about 43 meters (141 feet) tall. It was also built around 100 BCE. These pyramids were important centers for the city's religious life.

El Castillo at Chichen Itza

El Castillo is a famous pyramid at Chichen Itza in Mexico. It was built by the Maya people. This pyramid is about 30 meters (98 feet) tall. It is famous for its special design. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, shadows create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the staircase. This serpent represents the god Quetzalcoatl.

Pyramid of the Niches

The Pyramid of the Niches is located at El Tajín in Mexico. It was built by the Classic Veracruz people. This pyramid is about 18 meters (59 feet) tall. It is unique because it has 365 niches, or small indentations, on its sides. This number matches the days in a year, showing the builders' advanced understanding of time and astronomy.

Temple of the Inscriptions

At Palenque in Mexico, the Temple of the Inscriptions is a significant Maya pyramid. It was built after 675 CE. This pyramid is famous because it contains the tomb of Pakal the Great, a powerful Maya ruler. The pyramid's Classic Maya name was B'olon Yej Te' Naah, meaning "House of the Nine Sharpened Spears."

Important Pyramids in Central America

Central America also boasts many impressive Mesoamerican pyramids, especially in countries like Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

Caana at Caracol

In Belize, the ancient Maya city of Caracol is home to Caana. This pyramid is about 43 meters (141 feet) tall. It is the tallest human-made structure in all of Belize. Caana is a "triadic pyramid," meaning it has a main pyramid with two smaller buildings facing it on a shared platform.

El Castillo at Xunantunich

Xunantunich in Belize features a pyramid called El Castillo. It is about 40 meters (131 feet) tall. This Maya structure was built between 600 and 900 CE. It offers amazing views of the surrounding jungle.

La Danta at El Mirador

El Mirador in Guatemala is home to La Danta pyramid. It is about 72 meters (236 feet) tall. This Maya pyramid was built between 300 BCE and 100 CE. It is one of the largest pyramids in the world by volume, estimated to be 2.8 million cubic meters!

Tikal Temple IV

Tikal in Guatemala is another major Maya site. Tikal Temple IV is one of its tallest structures, reaching about 70 meters (230 feet) high. It was built in 741 AD to honor the 27th king of the Tikal dynasty.

Other Notable Pyramids

Many other fascinating pyramids exist across Mesoamerica, each with its own story.

Lamanai Temples

At Lamanai in Belize, there are several notable Maya temples. The High Temple is about 33 meters (108 feet) tall. The Jaguar Temple is 20 meters (66 feet) tall, and the Mask Temple is 17 meters (56 feet) tall. These were built during the Pre-Classic and Early Classic Periods.

San Andrés and Tazumal

In El Salvador, the Maya site of San Andrés has a structure called the Bell of San Andrés. Tazumal is another important Maya site in El Salvador. These sites show the spread of Maya influence.

Aguateca Temple

At Aguateca in Guatemala, a temple pyramid about 6 meters (20 feet) tall was left unfinished. It was built by the Maya between 760 and 830 CE. Its purpose is still a mystery.

Copán Pyramids

Copán in Honduras, a major Maya city, has several overlapping step-pyramids. These structures are known for their detailed carvings and hieroglyphic stairways.

Comalcalco Temple 1

Comalcalco in Mexico has Temple 1, a Maya pyramid about 20 meters (66 feet) tall. What makes it special is that its buildings were made from fired-clay bricks. This is unique among Maya sites, which usually used limestone.

The Great Pyramid of La Venta

La Venta in Mexico is home to one of the earliest known pyramids in Mesoamerica, the Great Pyramid. Built by the Olmec people around 394 BCE, it is about 33 meters (108 feet) tall. It was made from an estimated 100,000 cubic meters of earth!

Tenochtitlan Pyramids

The ancient Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan in Mexico once had many pyramids, including the famous Templo Mayor. This double pyramid was about 100 by 80 meters at its base. It was built between 1390 and 1500 CE. Sadly, the Spanish destroyed Tenochtitlan. We know about its pyramids from historical texts and archaeological findings.

Tzintzuntzan Yácatas

At Tzintzuntzan in Mexico, the Purépecha people built five unique "yácata" pyramids. These pyramids are rounded and have a distinct T-shape. They were built in the Late Post-Classic period.