Nohoch Mul

Nohoch Mul, also called Ixmoja or Nojoch Mul, is a Maya pyramid at the ancient pre-Columbian city of Coba in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It rises to 42 meters (138 ft) and is considered the tallest Maya structure and pyramid in the north of the Yucatán Peninsula. It forms the main monument of group A, a complex that contains the largest buildings in Coba.

The pyramid has a large stepped base with 7 levels and rounded edges. A central staircase of 120 steps leads to the temple at the top, while a side staircase reaches a lower platform. Nohoch Mul is built from a monumental pyramidal base and remains in use through the post-classic period, although its summit temple was remodeled in the architectural style of the East Coast of Quintana Roo.

The structure dates to 569 CE and was built during the major urban development of Coba as a political center. A large limestone hieroglyphic stela found nearby carries an extensive inscription recording the long count date 9.6.15.6.9. 13 Muluk 12 Sip, corresponding to May 12, 569 AD. This records the founding of a site called Keh Witz Nal, which may have been the original name of the area later occupied by group A or of one of its structures.

The Maya name Nojoch Muul means "great mound," referring to the size of the pyramid. More generally, monuments of this kind in Mesoamerica included carved stone monuments, especially Maya stelae, often paired with low circular altars. Many stelae bear low-relief carvings, while others are plain, and their exact function remains uncertain.

The Nohoch Mul pyramid dates to the classic period of the Maya civilization and was built during the great urban development that the city of Coba had during its peak and development as a political center. A large limestone hieroglyphic stela found near the pyramid contains an extensive inscription recording the long count date of 9.6.15.6.9. 13 Muluk 12 Sip which corresponds to May 12, 569 AD as the founding of a site called Keh Witz Nal that could be the original name of the area where the group A complex of Coba was built or one of its structures like the Nohoch Mul pyramid. During the post-classical period, the main buildings of Coba were remodeled implementing new regional architectural elements. The temple on the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid was built following the architecture of the East Coast of Quintana Roo.