Mesoamerican architecture

pyramid-shaped structure in ancient Mesoamerica

right|thumb|200px|Schematic representation of the talud-tablero style used in many Mesoamerican pyramids and a prominent stylistic feature of Teotihuacano architecture right|thumb|200px|An overview of differing Talud-tablero styles used by different Mesoamerican cultures Talud-tablero is an architectural style most commonly used in platforms, temples, and pyramids in Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, becoming popular in the Early Classic Period of Teotihuacan. Talud-tablero consists of an inward-sloping surface or panel called the talud, with a panel or structure perpendicular to the ground sitting u

thumb|260px|The teocalli of Cholula A teocalli (Nahuatl: "God-house") is a Mesoamerican pyramid surmounted by a temple. The pyramid is terraced, and some of the most important religious rituals in Pre-Columbian Mexico took place in the temple at the top of the pyramid.

building traditions of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica

right|thumb|200px|An archaeologist investigating a chultún right|thumb|150px|Entrance to chultún at Xunantunich A chultún (or chultun, plural: ''chultunob' or chultúns'') is a bottle-shaped underground storage chamber built by the pre-Columbian Maya in southern Mesoamerica. Their entrances were surrounded by plastered aprons which guided rainwater into them during the rainy seasons. Most of these archaeological features likely functioned as cisterns for potable water.

structural remains of the Aztec civilization

Coatepantli is a Nahuatl word meaning "wall of serpents". It comes from the words coatl meaning serpent and tepantli meaning wall. It is an architectural motif found in archeological sites in Mesoamerica.