In Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec architecture, the chief building style was the large stepped pyramid, which allowed it to be climbed entirely. These pyramids were the center of any settlements, and were frequently utilized by the priest-kings of these cultures for ceremonial and administrative purposes. After centuries of neglect, these massive structures are usually the only elements of Mesoamerican architecture that remain.

All Mayan cities and temple structures revolved around the pyramid. Typically featuring steps to the top of the pyramid and terraces, the Mayas used the pyramid for temples, palaces, and most other important buildings. The use of the pyramid was highly influential for later Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Aztecs.

While Atlatean figures are generally carved to represent fierce, bellicose men, when the Aztecs found these pillars centuries after the Toltecs abandoned their city, they imagined that the pillars represented their own gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, and considered the city itself divine. They even went so far as to consider the Toltec civilization their own ancestors, and told and recorded multitudes of stories of the exploits of the Toltec people.

Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones_Tula.jpg

Photograph by Luidger

Although the Aztec people thought that the Toltec civilization, as their supposed ancestors (according to them, at least), had carved out depictions of their gods, such as Quetzalcoatl, in actuality, the Atlantean figures are meant to represent fierce warriors.

Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones_Tula.jpg

Photograph by Luidger

Although the Aztec civilization provides its own written mythology as to the conquests, exploits and history of the Toltec civilization, as they considered the Toltec people to be their ancestors, it is actually unknown what eventually caused the decline and disappearance of the Toltec civilization, which is the civilization that left the ruins of a great city in Tula, Hidalgo, along with the Atlantean figures pictures above.

Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones_Tula.jpg

Photograph by Luidger

The architectural center for a family was a kiva. A kiva contained the fire pit and the Sipapu. These spaces were covered by wood roofs and are sometimes still used by Puebloan people for ceremonies.

The Zapotec civilization of pre-Columbian Latin America occupied and culturally dominated the area of Mexico now known as the state of Oaxaca. The largest piece of evidence of their occupation of Oaxaca is the ancient city of Monte Albán, located only a few miles outside of the current capital of the state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca City.