Like many Mesoamerican pyramids, each was constructed around a core of rubble held in place by retaining walls. The walls were then faced with adobe bricks, and then covered with limestone. The base of the Pyramid of the Sun measures 730 feet per side, with five stepped terraces reaching a height of some 200 feet.

Why were some Mayan pyramids built so that nobody could climb them?

The ancient Mayans built two types of pyramids, those that were meant to be climbed and those that were not. The first type was used for holding sacrificial rituals. The other type was not meant to be touched and was sacred. ... The pyramids were built so high that their tops could be seen protruding out of the jungle.

How long did the Mayan pyramids take to build?

In reality it may have taken as long as 300 years to build what we see today, for it actually comprises five structures superimposed one on top of the other. Temple-pyramids were the most striking feature of a Classic Maya city. They were built from hand-cut limestone blocks and towered over all surrounding structures.