Ancient Toltec city known for its impressive ruins and feathered-serpent pyramid.
It is located on several hilltops near Cuernavaca , Morelos state, Mex. Built mainly in the 8th9th century, it became an important trading centre and religious centre, and it was turned into a defensive stronghold before the Spanish conquest ( 0441; 1520). The main temple pyramid is known for its lower facing of intricately carved stones. The reliefs, which show a strong Mayan influence, portray plumed serpents, priests with elaborate headdresses, squatting warriors, calendar glyphs, and fire symbols.