Located in the center of the ancient city of El Tajin, today in the Mexican state of Varacuz, the Niches pyramid (meaning Cave pyramid in English) is considered a unique architectural masterpiece of civilizations. ancient America. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. |
This pyramid has seven floors, connected by a series of stairs on the facade. The entire project is built with carefully cut large stone slabs, including one weighing up to 8 tons. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. |
A special feature of the Niches pyramid is that along the stairs and facades of the floors, there are dozens of square recesses located adjacent to each other, making this pyramid look like a giant honeycomb when viewed from afar. Photo: World History Encyclopedia. |
The number of recesses on the floors is 365, exactly equal to the number of days in a calendar year. Therefore, the niches of the pyramid may have a symbolic meaning of time. Photo: My Guide Mexico. |
Besides, these niches may also be simulations of caves, which were considered by indigenous people of the Americas as entrances to the underworld, where many gods reside. Photo: Déjàlà. |
Researchers believe that the main function of the Niches pyramid was as a temple. The most important part of this structure, the temple at the top, was completely destroyed. Photo: Far Horizons. |
This pyramid was built by the inhabitants of the Teotihuacan civilization during the prosperity of the city of El tajin, during the 9th-13th centuries. Photo: Westend61. |
After the Spanish invaded America, the pyramid and other structures of the city were abandoned and covered by jungle for the next few centuries. Photo: Klook. |
It was not until 1785 that this ruin was rediscovered and received great attention from European researchers. In recent decades, the Niches pyramid has been restored to near its original state. Photo: Hidden Inca Tours. |
In 1992, the Niches pyramid and the ancient city of El Tajin were recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage. Photo: Pyramidomania. |
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