Chapter 1
The largest monument ever built
Chapter 2
A sacred city of pilgrimage
Chapter 3
The day the Spanish arrived
Chapter 4
Exploring the secret tunnels
Ch 2 · A sacred city of pilgrimage
sonia Sacred City of Cholula
Walking on the hill, / stepping on the clay, / of the temple down below.
Glossary
shrine (noun)
A holy place associated with a sacred person, deity, or relic of religious importance. The Spanish built a Catholic shrine atop Cholula's ancient pyramid in 1594.
A holy place associated with a sacred person, deity, or relic of religious importance. The Spanish built a Catholic shrine atop Cholula's ancient pyramid in 1594.
Fun Fact
Ancient murals: The 'Mural of the Drinkers' discovered inside the Cholula pyramid features 110 people celebrating and drinking pulque, a milky, sacred alcoholic beverage made from agave sap.
Quiz
In which year did archaeologists discover the spectacular 'Mural of the Drinkers' inside the Cholula pyramid?
Quiz
What is the name of the traditional, milky Mesoamerican alcoholic drink shown in the Cholula murals?
Quiz
Approximately how many people lived in the sacred metropolis of Cholula by the 15th century?
Quiz
Why was Cholula considered the 'Mecca' or 'Jerusalem' of the ancient Mesoamerican world?
Quiz
What major political event occurred at Cholula's temples to legitimize rulers from other cities?
Quiz
Before Quetzalcoatl, which weather-related deity was the Great Pyramid of Cholula likely dedicated to?
Quiz
Which Mesoamerican deity, known as the Feathered Serpent, was the main patron of Cholula?