Physical medium

Between the eastern slope of the volcano Popocatepetl and the city of Cholula is a pyramidal shaped hill called Teoton (2, 580 m), of which some locals affirm that it is an ancient point of reference for the surrounding geography. The geological formation is peculiar, with three steep sides and an route to its summit by means of footpath that parts from the western flank. Its eastern flank has a pronounced slope at the base of which archaeological artefacts dating from the late preclassic and classic periods have been found. From its summit, one may view the impressive panorama of the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley. Towards the west is the extinct volcano Iztaccihuatl (5, 286 m); towards the southeast is the snow-capped ans still active volcano Popocatepetl (5, 452 m). Between both mountains is the Pass of Cortez, where according to some historical sources, Quetzalcoatl and some of his companions were trapped by a snow storm on his way to the east side.Looking southward from the same hill of Teoton is another conical hill called Teteolotitla (2, 655 m), considered by some locals to be the place of the heart of the gods. Towards the east is the hill Xaltepec, which is likewise said to be hollow. Looking further towards the east, is the largest scaled temple-tower by volume in the world - the pyramid of Cholula. From here, further in the distance one may see another great mountain with permanent glaciers known today as Mt. Orizaba (anciently known as Citlalitepetl, 5, 700m). Finally, to the northeast is the small hill Montero and further the extinct volcano of La Malinche (4, 461 m, also known as La Malintzi and anciently as Matlalcueye).

Perhaps a significant date pertaining to the importance of the vernacular geography is supported by the fact that modernly the pilgrimages that visit the Villa de Guadalupe in Mexico City on 12 December, follow a route that was very likely used in pre-Columbian times. This route crosses Cholula, passes by the hill Teoton and goes over the Pass of Cortez heading towards Chalco and from there to Mexico City (figure 2).

Figure 2.The Puebla-Tlaxcala valley and our points of reference.