Researchers have confirmed that the Mayan pyramid excavated at the Acropolis of Toniná, Chiapas is one the largest pyramids ever discovered. Discovered in 2010, Emiliano Gallaga and his team began their excavation under the impression that the pyramid was built on the top of a hill. It was not until recently that they've managed to fully assess it and truly see what they're working with.
Wighing in at 75-meters tall with seven distinct districts all with their own purpose - such as Temples, palaces, markets, housing, administration - the magnitude of the Toniná pyramid compares even to that of the Tlachihualtepetl (artifical mountain) pyramid of Cholula, Puebla, roughly 70 meters in height. Researchers have hopes that further translation of the hieroglyphics may uncover the reasons as to why the Mayan civilization collapsed in this region. Containing over 300 ancient hieroglyphic texts so far identified, the Toniná pyramid has been classified as one of Mexico's most significant historic land marks.
“It’s a big surprise to see that the pyramid was done almost entirely by pre-Hispanic architects and therefore is more artificial than natural... it was believed that the entire structure was a natural hill, but recent evidence has revealed that the structure was almost entirely built by ancient inhabitants.” said Gallaga
