Researchers have discovered that the Kukulkan pyramid is similar to Russian Matryoshka dolls.
New facts revealed about the construction of the Mayan Kukulkan Pyramid, located in East Mexico. Using non-invasive techniques, a team of archeologists has discovered that the great 98-feet edifice has a construction similar to Russian nesting dolls.
Located on the Chichen Itza archeological site, the Kukulkan Pyramid, which also bears the name of the Temple of Kukulkan, is a step pyramid, very similar to the Pyramid of Djoser, in Egypt, near the ancient city of Memphis.
Attributed to god Kukulkan, the Mayan plumed serpent, this marvelous edifice built with limestone features several square terraces connected by four stairways located on each side. The base of the Kukulkan Pyramid measures more than 181 feet in length, while the entire edifice has more than 98 feet in height.
The Kukulkan Pyramid is believed to have been constructed between the 9th and the 12th century, by the Pre-Columbian Maya civilizations. Up till this moment, researchers believe that the Pyramid consists of a single structure, erected in the middle of Chichen Itza site.
However, recent research revealed that centuries-old pyramid harbors many unexpected surprises. Using non-invasive investigational techniques to map the interior of the edifice, the researchers found out that the Kukulkan Pyramid consists not of one, but three distinct structures built on layers.
According to recent research, the smallest pyramid, which is closer to the base of the temple was constructed somewhere between 550 and 800 AD. Furthermore, the middle pyramid was built between 800 and 1000 AD, while the top part was constructed between 1050 and 1300 AD.
The middle structure of the Temple of Kukulkan was discovered in the 1930s by a team of archeologists from the Carnegie Institute of Science. Preliminary data gathered after the recent investigations revealed that the great structure is very similar in design with the Russian nesting doll.
Researchers believe that the new development will greatly help us understand the Mayan’s way of life before their culture was influenced by populations coming from the central part of Mexico.
The technique used to scan the interior of the great Kukulkan pyramid is based on short bursts of high-intensity lights. Using an apparatus that can generate this type of light, researchers are able to map the interior of the pyramid with great accuracy, without causing damage to the great Mayan monument.
Image source: Flickr