Cuicuilco Circular Pyramid
Cuicuilco Pyramid · Pirámide de Cuicuilco · Circular Pyramid of Cuicuilco
Late Formative (Zacatenco–Cuicuilco phases 800 BCE–150 CE; pyramid 400–150 BCE)·Central Mexican Formative (Cuicuilco)·🇲🇽 Mexico City, Tlalpan Borough, Cuicuilco, Mexico
About
About Cuicuilco Circular Pyramid
Only circular pyramid in Basin of Mexico: 4-tiered terraced circular platform 135 m diameter, 25 m high (originally 27 m) with ramp-spiral stair ascending clockwise, built 400–150 BCE (late Formative) from volcanic rubble and adobe. Abandoned after Xitle lava flow 245–315 CE that buried lower 2 tiers and surrounding farming town, preserving lower Cuicuilco B. Earliest monumental architecture in Basin; competing with Teotihuacan before eruption.
Why it mattersRepresents independent Basin urban tradition pre-Teotihuacan; lava inundation provides sealed stratigraphy.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Xitle eruption date vs abandonment lag
Theories
- 01Xitle lava (~315 CE) buried town abruptly after already decline by Teotihuacan growth
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 400–150 BCE (Phase II)
- Period
- Late Formative (Zacatenco–Cuicuilco phases 800 BCE–150 CE; pyramid 400–150 BCE)
- Culture
- Central Mexican Formative (Cuicuilco)
- Purpose
- Ceremonial platform for temple – fertility / fire cult predecessor to Teotihuacan
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 400–150 BCE (Phase II)
Initial construction
c. 1481 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
19.3017° N · 99.1817° W · 2270 m · 3 mapped features
Circular pyramid tiers (4) 135 m diam
pyramid4 circular terraces with ramp
19.3017° N · 99.1817° WXitle lava contact zone south
lava flowBasalt flow burying lower terraces
19.3010° N · 99.1825° WStela 1 altar basement
stelaEarliest stela in Basin
19.3015° N · 99.1810° W
Gallery