What They Found Inside the CHOLULA Pyramid Could CHANGE the World! | HO!!

CHOLULA, MEXICO — Nestled just outside the bustling city of Puebla, a quiet hill rises above the landscape. To the untrained eye, it may seem unremarkable, even ordinary. But beneath this natural-looking mound lies the largest pyramid by volume ever constructed on Earth: the Great Pyramid of Cholula. Recent archaeological discoveries inside this ancient monument are rewriting our understanding of Mesoamerican civilization—and may even change the way we see humanity’s past.

A Monument Hidden in Plain Sight

The Great Pyramid of Cholula, or Tlachihualtepetl (“artificial hill” in the Nahuatl language), dwarfs the famed Egyptian pyramids not in height, but in sheer mass. Its base stretches over 1,000 feet on each side, covering more ground than any other pyramid in the world. Built in successive stages from around 300 BCE to 900 CE, the pyramid was a sacred center for the region’s ancient peoples, including the Toltecs and the Nahua.

For centuries, the pyramid was all but forgotten, its massive form swallowed by earth and vegetation. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they built the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios atop its summit—unwittingly crowning a monument that had been revered for generations.

Unveiling the Layers of History

Systematic exploration of the pyramid began in the early 20th century. In 1931, architect Ignacio Marquina started tunneling into the mound, confirming the existence of the hidden pyramid. Over the decades, archaeologists carved out nearly 8 kilometers of tunnels, revealing a labyrinthine interior and a complex history of construction.

Each layer of the pyramid tells a different story. The earliest structure, Building A, dates to pre-Teotihuacan times and was made of simple adobe bricks. Later additions, such as Building B (the “Pyramid of the Painted Skulls”), introduced more sophisticated architectural styles, including the distinctive talud-tablero design. Murals depicting ceremonial scenes and deities adorned the walls, offering glimpses into the spiritual life of Cholula’s ancient inhabitants.

The pyramid’s construction techniques were advanced for their time. Adobe and stone were carefully layered to create a stable, enduring monument. Drainage systems and structural supports allowed the pyramid to withstand centuries of earthquakes and weathering.

Astonishing Discoveries Within

Recent restoration and excavation efforts have brought to light astonishing finds that go far beyond architecture. During the latest digs, archaeologists uncovered a vast array of artifacts and human remains that paint a vivid picture of Cholula’s spiritual and cultural life.

One of the most striking discoveries was the pyramid’s adobe core, dating to the end of the Classic period (100–600 CE). This sun-dried brick foundation demonstrates not only technical skill but also the careful planning that went into creating one of the world’s largest monuments.

Near the pyramid’s stairways, researchers found prehispanic braziers used for burning offerings. These artifacts suggest that ritualistic ceremonies were a regular part of life at Cholula, with fire serving as a central element in spiritual communication. Ascending the pyramid may itself have been a sacred journey, a path for pilgrims seeking communion with the gods.

Among the most fascinating finds is a sculpture of Tlaloc, the revered rain god of ancient Mexico. Water was the lifeblood of Mesoamerican societies, and rituals dedicated to Tlaloc were essential for ensuring bountiful harvests. The presence of this sculpture indicates that Cholula’s pyramid was a focal point for ceremonies seeking divine intervention in the cycles of nature.

The Human Cost of Devotion

Perhaps the most chilling discoveries are the human remains found within the pyramid. Archaeologists have uncovered over 400 burials, most dating to the post-Classic period—long after the pyramid’s use as a temple had ended. Some remains show evidence of ritual sacrifice, including decapitation and other ceremonial deaths. These sacrifices, though unsettling by modern standards, were integral to the spiritual and social fabric of ancient Cholula.

One particularly poignant find was made beneath the slab flooring of the Courtyard of Altars: the remains of eight individuals, including several children, were found in ceramic pots. These young sacrifices were likely offered as messengers to Tlaloc, in desperate hopes of ending droughts and bringing rain. The careful placement of these remains speaks to both reverence and ritual precision.

Excavations also revealed disarticulated remains of at least 46 individuals in an altar area at the southwest corner of the pyramid. These included people of all ages and genders, highlighting the communal nature of ritual practices and the deep connection between the living and the dead.

A Living Center of Culture and Faith

The significance of these findings cannot be overstated. The Great Pyramid of Cholula was not merely a monument—it was a living center of culture, spirituality, and community. Its stones and artifacts reveal the values, fears, and hopes of the people who built and worshipped there.

Artistic expressions flourished within the pyramid. Murals and ceramics depict deities, cosmological themes, and scenes from daily life, blending the spiritual with the ordinary. These artworks are more than decoration—they are storytelling tools that communicate beliefs and traditions across generations.

Astronomy played a crucial role in the pyramid’s design. Its alignment with celestial bodies suggests that rituals and ceremonies were timed with precision, synchronizing human activity with cosmic rhythms. The pyramid was not only an earthly structure, but also a bridge to the heavens.

The Pyramid Today: A Bridge Between Worlds

Even now, the Great Pyramid remains central to Cholula’s cultural and religious life. The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios atop its summit is a major pilgrimage site, blending indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions. Annual rituals, such as the spring equinox celebration honoring Quetzalcoatl, draw thousands of visitors and connect the city’s ancient past with its vibrant present.

Tourists flock to the site, exploring the tunnels and museum, marveling at the scale and complexity of the pyramid. Local authorities have taken steps to protect the monument, restricting access during major events and creating buffer zones to preserve its sacred and historical integrity.

A Monument That Could Change the World

The discoveries within the Great Pyramid of Cholula challenge our understanding of ancient civilizations. They reveal a society with advanced engineering, complex social hierarchies, and profound spiritual beliefs. The pyramid’s multi-layered construction and rich tapestry of artifacts offer insights into the continuity and change that shaped Mesoamerican culture.

But perhaps most importantly, these findings remind us of the enduring power of faith, creativity, and resilience. The Great Pyramid of Cholula stands as a testament to the human quest for meaning—a quest that transcends time and place.

As archaeologists continue to uncover its secrets, the pyramid may yet change the world, offering new perspectives on history, spirituality, and the legacy of human achievement.