The Great Pyramid of Cholula, Tlachihualtepetl, or “handmade mountain” ∈Nahuatl (the Aztec language of Central Mexico), is located ∈ the ancient city of Cholula, which was originally constructed as a holy city. Cholula means “place of refuge” ∈Nahuatl. Before the Spanish conquest ∈ the 16th century, Cholula was one of the largest cities and principal religious centers ∈Mexico, with a multiethnic population of between 60,000 and 100,000. Standing 180 feet, the pyramid was almost twice the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza, ∈Egypt. Successive civilizations added to what had already been built, a process which resulted ∈ the giant pyramid-disguised-as-a-hill of today. This temple was constructed to honor Quetzalcóatl, the feathered Mesoamerican serpent god.
In 1519, Hernan Cortés arrived ∈Cholula with his army of conquistadors. Events leading up to the conquest are contested: at least 12 different authors wrote or painted diverse accounts of what occurred ∈Cholula. The result of these events, though, was undisputed: Spanish conquistadors attacked and killed thousands of Cholulans, ∈ what became known as “the Cholula massacre”.
In 1574, long after Mexico was overpowered by the Spanish, a church was built on the top of Tlachihualtepetl. The church was named Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, or Our Lady of the Remedies, ∈English.
Cholula is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both the church and ancient ruins beneath it are open to tourists year-round. The site attracts 220,000 visitors annually.
Internet: sacredland.org (adapted).
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The Great Pyramid of Cholula is so large that it can be easily admired by tourists.
