The collapse of an ancient pyramid in Mexico has sparked fears among a local tribe, who warned the destruction was a “bad omen”.
The 1,100-year-old brick pyramid, located in the archaeological zone of Ihuatzio in the Mexican state of Michoacán, has collapsed on one side due to heavy rainfall in the region.
The pyramids were built on the eastern shore of Lake Patzcuaro. This empire was inhabited by the Purépecha Empire from 900 AD until the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the region in 1530 AD.
Descendants of the ancient Purépecha tribe, who built the structure, said the storm could be an omen of impending doom, as a similar event occurred “because the gods were displeased.”
The pyramids collapsed on July 30, caused by increased rainfall, high temperatures and drought
The 1,100-year-old pyramids were built by the ancestors of the Purépecha people and were one of the tribe’s last archaeological sites in the area
The pyramid collapsed in the early morning of July 30, after a storm swept across the region.
Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reported heavy rainfall in the lake area, higher than expected.
“A collapse occurred in the central part of the southern facade of one of the pyramidal bases of the archaeological zone of Ihuatzio,” INAH said in a statement.
‘The high temperatures previously recorded in the area and the subsequent drought caused cracks that reduced the flow of water into the interior of the pre-Columbian building.’
At least six steps of the pyramid on the outer wall slabs were damaged. Footage from the scene showed a cascade of stones falling down the side and into a pile near the structure.
Although INAH claimed the collapse was due to natural causes, a member of the Purépecha tribe suggested something much more serious was going on.
“For our ancestors, the builders, this was a bad omen that indicated the proximity of an important event,” said Tariakuiri Alvarez, a member of the tribe wrote on Facebook.
‘Something similar happened before the conquistadors came, which for the Purépecha worldview of that time was because the gods, Nana Kuerhaepiri and K’eri Kurikweri, were displeased.’
The Ihuatzio zone was considered the capital of the Purépecha people’s domain during the height of their occupation, until the tribe’s rule ended in the early 16th century.
The cracks in the pyramids, caused by the weather, allowed rainwater to seep into the pyramid walls, causing both the interior and exterior to deteriorate over time
At its peak, the area covered approximately 370 hectares and contained at least 84 structures, seven of which can still be seen in the archaeological park.
It also served as the backdrop for the defeat of the Aztec Empire by the Purépecha people in the 1470s, making this tribe one of the few indigenous groups in the region not to be conquered by the Aztecs.
For almost 10 years, King Tzitzic Pandacuare of the Purépecha Empire defended his tribe against the attacks of the Aztecs, who tried to dominate the entire region.
During the battle, his people reportedly killed over 20,000 Aztec soldiers, allowing the Purépecha to maintain their power in western Mexico from the 14th to the early 16th centuries.
The structures served as a symbol of power and authority for the local tribe and were used for spiritual rituals and ceremonies
Today, the pyramids of Ihuatzio are considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the region.
According to the INAH, measures have been taken to protect and rebuild the pyramids. The insurance company Agroasemex, which covers all archaeological sites, has also been notified to begin obtaining funds.
“The work to assess the damage continues and is aimed not only at restoring the affected part, but also at thoroughly repairing the structure of the building,” INAH said.
The destroyed structures also come as a popular site in a Utah national park collapsed suddenly on Thursday due to erosion.
The Double Arch, also called Toilet Bowl and Crescent Pool, was formed from 190 million year old Navajo Sandstone that formed during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic periods.
Since its formation, this fine-grained sand pattern has been subject to crumbling and erosion by weather, wind and rain.
According to the National Park Service, the cause of the Toilet Bowl collapse is not yet clear. No injuries were reported.
DailyMail.com has contacted Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History and the Purépecha tribe for comment.