XOCHICALCO

ancient Toltec city known for its impressive ruins; it is located on the top of a large hill and parts of surrounding hills near Cuernavaca, in Morelos state, Mexico. Xochicalco was built primarily during the 8th and 9th centuries AD and soon became an important trading centre. Although it also served for many years as a prominent religious centre, it was apparently turned into a defensive stronghold before the Spanish conquest (c. 1520). Excavations have revealed two separate building complexes, one centring on the so-called La Malinche temple pyramid and ball court, the other built around the main temple pyramid, the principal monument at Xochicalco. Built on a four-sided base, the main pyramid is especially famous for its lower facing of perfectly fitted and intricately carved stones. The reliefs, which show strong Mayan influence, portray plumed serpents, priests with elaborate headdresses, squatting warriors, glyphs, and fire symbols.