Most people think the largest pyramid in the world is the Great Pyramid of Egypt, but not many know that this title claim belongs to another.
Known as The Great Pyramid of Cholula, this huge man-made complex in Puebla, Mexico is the largest archaeological site of a pyramid in the New World, as well as the largest pyramid known to exist in the world. In fact it is the largest monument ever constructed by man.
It stands at 180 feet above the surrounding plain and has an enormous footprint of 1,480 x 1,480 feet. The Great Pyramid of Egypt is taller at 481 feet but with a base of 756 feet square, its footprint is far smaller than the one in Mexico. The volume of the Cholula pyramid is 4.45 million cubic metres, whilst the Great Pyramid of Egypt is 2.5 million.
Through the dating of ceramics and figurines found in the original pyramid core through to the outer layers, the pyramid was built in four to six stages, starting in the 3rd century BC through to the 9th century AD, and traditionally, the experts say it was dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl.
Find out more about this enormous and enigmatic pyramid and please subscribe for more videos from Ancient Architects.