Mayan nesting doll pyramid discovered

The discovery of a third structure within the famous Kukulkan pyramid at the archaeological complex of Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan state reveals that it was built in three phases, like a “Russian nesting doll”

Maya civilisation

MEXICO

GUATEMALA

EL SALVADOR

Chichen Itza

BELIZE

HONDURAS

400km 250 miles

Largest pyramid

Built: 1050-1300 AD
Height: 30 metres

Middle structure

800-1000 AD
20 metres

Smallest pyramid

550-800 AD
10m

Human to scale

Pyramid discovered using 3D Electrical Tomography – non-invasive technique that measures resistance in flow of electrical current to digitally map interior of existing structure

In 2015, archaeologists discovered pyramid sits on 5m-thick layer of limestone above cenote, or underground river, which are common in region
and revered by Maya

Discovery of third pyramid could shed light on original Maya culture before it intermingled with populations from central Mexico

Kukulkan – Maya Feathered Serpent deity at base of temple’s stairway

Source: National Institute of Anthropology and History
Picture: Frank Kovalchek