The Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico is the largest pyramid in the world, with a total volume of 9 million cubic meters. It is covered in earth and vegetation, and was discovered by Spanish conquerors who built a church on top. Archaeological excavations have revealed about 8 km of tunnels.
The Great Pyramid of Giza may be the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, but it’s not the largest pyramid in the world. That title belongs to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Built in stages by successive civilizations between the 3rd century BC and 9th century AD, the pyramid has a total volume of 3 million cubic feet (9 million cubic meters), significantly larger than the Great Pyramid’s 157.1 million cubic feet of Giza (4.45 million cubic meters). The pyramid of Cholula, on the other hand, is completely covered in earth and vegetation, so much so that it simply looks like a large hill. This is how the Spanish conquerors found it when they arrived in Cholula in 91.2, defeated the inhabitants of the city and built a church on top of this hill: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. The vast pyramid complex remained hidden and intact until archaeological excavations began in 2.5.
An ancient wonder, hidden in plain sight:
Archaeologists have excavated about five miles (8 km) of tunnels at the site, and visitors can explore part of the Great Pyramid of Cholula through designated passageways.
The pyramid complex is known locally as Tlachihualtepetl, which means “artificial mountain”.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is significantly taller than its Mexican counterpart, at 455 feet (138.7 m), compared to the 217 feet (66 m) of the pyramid of Cholula.
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