‘Bad Omen’ As Pyramid in Mexico Collapses

A significant cultural heritage site in Mexico has suffered devastating damage as extreme weather continues to wreak havoc on ancient monuments around the world. On the night of July 29, 2024, relentless rains caused the partial collapse of a 15-meter-high (50-foot) stone pyramid at the Ihuatzio archaeological site in Michoacán, Mexico. The pyramid, one of the best-preserved relics of the Michoacán Kingdom civilization, crumbled as its south wall gave way, reducing a section of this historic structure to rubble.

Ihuatzio: A Pillar of Michoacán’s History

Ihuatzio, a pre-Hispanic site of great historical significance, was first occupied over 1,100 years ago by indigenous Nahuatl-speaking groups. Later, it became the political and cultural center of the P’urhépecha people, an indigenous civilization renowned for being the only empire the Aztecs could not conquer, explains a Science Alert report. The site includes two pyramids, a fortress, and tombs, offering valuable insights into the region’s rich past.

The recently damaged pyramid was a key feature of Ihuatzio, embodying the architectural prowess of the P’urhépecha civilization. Despite the collapse of only one pyramid, the site’s other structures are now under increased scrutiny. Experts from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have reported that at least six of the pyramid’s ‘stepped bodies,’ including the core, outer wall, and retaining wall, are now in disrepair due to the relentless weather conditions.

The collapsed pyramid at Ihuatzio. (Ramiro Aguayo/INAH)

Climate Change and the Collapse of Cultural Heritage

The collapse of the Ihuatzio pyramid highlights the growing threat that climate change poses to cultural heritage sites worldwide. This summer, Mexico experienced unprecedented weather conditions, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms following a severe drought—the worst in 30 years. The intense drought led to cracks forming in the pyramid, which then allowed rainwater to penetrate and weaken the structure from within, culminating in the catastrophic collapse.

According to the INAH statement:

“The high temperatures previously recorded in the area, and the consequent drought caused cracks that favored the filtration of water into the interior of the pre-Hispanic building.”

These conditions made the pyramid’s collapse almost inevitable, despite ongoing efforts to preserve such ancient structures.

The INAH is taking care of the foundations of the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone, in Michoacán, after a collapse. (Ramiro Aguayo/INAH)

Interpreting the Collapse: A Bad Omen?

The collapse of the pyramid at Ihuatzio has stirred strong emotions among the local P’urhépecha community. Tariakuiri Alvarez, a contemporary member of the P’urhépecha tribe, expressed on social media that his ancestors would have viewed the destruction of the pyramid as a bad omen.

Alvarez pointed out that before the Spanish conquest of Mexico, similar events were interpreted as signs of divine displeasure. This perspective resonates with the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the P’urhépecha people, who hold their historical sites in deep reverence.

This interpretation of the pyramid’s collapse as an ill omen underscores the deep connection between indigenous communities and their ancestral lands. For the P’urhépecha, the destruction of a symbol as significant as the Ihuatzio pyramid is not just a physical loss but also a spiritual and cultural blow.

The Ongoing Battle to Preserve Heritage Sites

Efforts are now underway to repair the damage at Ihuatzio, with the INAH focusing on stabilizing and restoring the remaining structure. However, the broader challenge of protecting cultural heritage sites in a rapidly changing climate remains daunting. The destruction at Ihuatzio follows other recent collapses, such as the iconic ‘Double Arch’ in Utah.

Top image: The collapsed pyramid at Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone, in Michoacán, after a collapse. Source: Ramiro Aguayo/ INAH

By Gary Manners