An ancient pyramid has collapsed in Mexico after a spate of bad weather - and people are wondering if it could be a warning of things to come.
The structure is one of two pyramid bases, which lies in the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone of Michoacán, Mexico.
The pre-colonial structure is believed to date back to indigenous Purépecha communities living in the area around 900-1200 CE, meaning the structures have most likely stood for around 1,000 years.
It is believed the pyramids served as a place for sacred rituals and ceremonies for the Purépecha people, whose empire had lasted until the arrival of the Spanish in 1530. The historical site is now one of the area's major tourist attractions in recent years.
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However, recent heavy rain in the area has now caused major damage to one of the pyramid structures.
The devastation was confirmed by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), who blamed climate change for the damage.
"On the night of July 29, 2024, due to the heavy rains that have fallen in the basin of Lake Pátzcuaro, with an accumulation above the expected average of precipitation, a collapse occurred in the central part of the southern facade of one of the pyramidal bases of the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone," the INAH said in a statement (translated from Spanish).
"The high temperatures, previously recorded in the area, and the consequent drought caused cracks that favoured the filtration of water into the interior of the pre-Hispanic building."
They went on to state that conservation teams have since assessed the damage, which has happened to the 'South Base' structure and were currently looking at how the pyramid could be secured and repaired.
The report added that previous restoration techniques and a prior drought in the region had also contributed to the damage.
"Damage assessment activities continue and are focused not only on recovering the affected part, but also on thoroughly repairing the structure of the building," the INAH added.
Seeing such an ancient structure in such a state of disrepair is understandably devastating for the modern day Purépecha people living in the regions, with some people even worrying the collapse could be a sign of darker things to come.
In a post reacting to the news on Facebook, a local resident Tariakuiri Alvarez said the news was a 'bad omen'.
"One of the yakats of the archaeological zone of Ihuatzio collapsed, for the builders that is our ancestors this means a bad omen, indicated that some event is approaching," he wrote on the social media platform (translated from Spanish).
He went on to add that something similar had happened prior to the Spanish conquest according to local history, with the reason being that
'the gods Nana kuerhaépiri and K’eri Kurikweri were disgusted'.
Topics: Environment, Global Warming, World News, History
Brenna Cooper