The term "pyramid" is a geometric reference to the shape of these construction. The Mayan version of the pyramid is truncated so that a temple can be built on the top.

Yes, you're right. Must be why they call them the "Mayan Pyramids"

Maybe a bit of rotation to make the base horizontal

The outer surfaces of this particular structure are not triangles. They are polygons, hence this is not a true pyramid.

In geometry, a pyramid is a polyhedron formed by connecting a polygonal base and a point, called the apex. There is no geometric point in this structure. At the top of this structure is a polygon.

polygon, schmolygon - the fact that thses are considered Mayan pyramids is good enough for me. Guess the Mayans weren't as good at mathematics :P

It is the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza and regarding to Wikipedia, it IS a pyramid !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichen_Itza

You're right, this was at Chichen Itza (hottest place I've ever been - it was almost 110 that day). Thanks for your comments

The shaded area on the left pulls the eye a bit too much. I'd crop it off, so the focus could be redirected to the carvings on the right.