Cuicuilco — Pyramid Ancillary Ramp North (Mexico City)
Cuicuilco · Cuicuilco Ramp N
Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)·Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom·🇲🇽 Mexico City, Cuicuilco, Mexico
About
About Cuicuilco — Pyramid Ancillary Ramp North (Mexico City)
Cuicuilco — Pyramid Ancillary Ramp North (Mexico City) in Mexico City, Cuicuilco, Mexico is a Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE) pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal platform and ancillary settlement. Dimensions base 22.5 m × 22.5 m; height 12 m; inclination 52°; area 34.2 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom pyramid with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 2280 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 02Ceremonial centre
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. 2600 BCE
- Period
- Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom
- Builders
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Funerary monument and ritual complex
- Rediscovered
- 1920
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 924 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1906
Antiquarian record, modern excavation from 1960s
c. 1435 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
19.3000° N · 99.1800° W · 2280 m · 3 mapped features
Main Pyramid Core
pyramidMain Pyramid Core at Cuicuilco — Pyramid Ancillary Ramp North (Mexico City) — pyramid with stratified deposits
19.3010° N · 99.1818° WMortuary Chapel
chapelMortuary Chapel at Cuicuilco — Pyramid Ancillary Ramp North (Mexico City) — chapel with stratified deposits
19.3012° N · 99.1790° WCauseway Segment
causewayCauseway Segment at Cuicuilco — Pyramid Ancillary Ramp North (Mexico City) — causeway with stratified deposits
19.2996° N · 99.1822° W