Archaeologists discover a pyramid inside a pyramid inside a pyramid

The Temple of Kukulcan.
(Image credit: Marte REBOLLAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Archaeologists studying one of Mexico's most famous Mayan pyramids have discovered another smaller pyramid nestled inside it, The Independent reports. The newfound pyramid actually sits inside a second pyramid, both of which are enclosed by the larger third pyramid: "It's built like a Russian nesting doll. Under the large one we get another and another," chief researcher Rene Chavez Seguro said.

A photo posted by Oli S (@olima.s) on Nov 14, 2016 at 2:29am PST

It isn't quite clear why there are so many pyramids stacked on top of each other, but researchers say the new construction could have been due to deteriorating stonework or the arrival of a new leader to the site. Archaeologists only just discovered the innermost pyramid using non-invasive electrical pulses; U.S. researchers first explored the El Castillo pyramid in 1924.

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"If we can research this structure in the future it could prove important, because it could tell us about the first-period inhabitants of the site," said archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.