A 1,100-year-old pyramid in Michoacán, Mexico, collapsed on July 29, 2024, due to severe weather conditions worsened by climate change. The ancient structure, part of the Ihuatzio archaeological site, houses another pyramid, a tower or fortress, and ancient tombs.
The collapsed pyramid once stood 15 meters tall, but its south wall was reduced to rubble after heavy rainfall that followed a severe drought. This extreme weather pattern had not been seen in Mexico for 30 years. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) said, “The high temperatures previously recorded in the area and the resulting drought caused cracks that allowed water to infiltrate the interior of the pre-Hispanic building.” The combination of prolonged heat and unexpected torrential rains proved harmful to the ancient structure.
An ancient pyramid collapses from storms
A descendant of the Purépecha tribe said his ancestors would have seen the pyramid’s collapse as a “bad omen.” This event highlights the impact of climate change, driven by human activities, leading to more frequent and severe weather events. Efforts are now underway to restore the pyramid, aiming to preserve Mexico’s cultural heritage.
Officials stress the importance of maintaining such historical structures for future generations. Extreme weather and rising seas, driven by human-caused climate change, are a serious problem for important sites of past cultures. Recently, archaeologists reported that ancient cave paintings in Oceania are getting worse due to faster climate change.
Tariakuiri Alvarez, a living member of the P’urhépecha tribe, noted that his ancestors would have interpreted the crumbling of the pyramid at Ihuatzio as a “bad omen.”
Heritage sites like these are priceless places humans wish to preserve for the future. It is upsetting to witness them collapse from a climate that has been drastically altered by our behavior.
Source: DevX.com / Digpu NewsTex
