Heavy rains cause ancient pyramids to collapse in Mexico. Credit: X/@bennu
Two ancient pyramids, once venerated by the Purépecha tribehave suffered a dramatic landslide due to heavy rains. The incident has shocked the local community, and the descendants of the tribe interpret the event as a terrible omen of an impending catastrophe.
Located in the Ihuatzio archaeological site In Michoacán, the pyramids were the epicenter of the Purépecha civilization. Built centuries ago, they served as platforms for human sacrifices dedicated to their main deity, Kurikweri. The collapse of one of these structures has unleashed deep fears among the modern Purépecha people.
Tribal member Tariakuiri Alvarez has reportedly expressed grave concern.
According to indigenous traditions, such a catastrophic event is seen as a harbinger of doom, a sign that the gods are displeased. “Before the arrival of the conquistadors, something similar happened, which for the Purépecha worldview of that time was because the gods Nana Kuerhaepiri and K’eri Kurikweri were displeased,” he told The Sun.
However, according to experts from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the disaster can be attributed to heavy rains and prolonged drought in the region, which has also contributed to the weakening of the structure, making it more susceptible to the impact of heavy rains.
The INAH has begun a comprehensive assessment of the damage and plans to undertake extensive restoration work to preserve the remaining pyramid.
All about the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone
The Ihuatzio site, located in MexicoIt houses a partially restored set of pre-Purepecha ruins dating back to AD 900. The Purépecha defeated the Aztecs and ruled for 400 years before the Spanish invasion in 1519 and the area was occupied from AD 900 first by the Aztecs and then by the Purépecha until the arrival of the Spanish invaders. The most famous attraction in this area is the Plaza de Armas, an open ceremonial space about 200 m long, which was also a ball court and features two 15 m high square pyramids at its west end.
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