Construction on the Pachuca-Huejutla highway near Hidalgo, Mexico came to an unexpected halt when workers stumbled upon a remarkable discovery—a 1,375-year-old pyramid from the Metzca lordship era. The Metzca lordship was a multiethnic society that thrived during the Epiclassic and Late Postclassic eras in the Sierra Alta region of Hidalgo.
The pyramid, named the “San Miguel” site after the nearby town of San Miguel Metzquititlán, was unearthed during excavation work on the highway. Archeologists uncovered portions of “Structure 1,” a pyramid consisting of five sectors with at least ten mounds. The dig yielded 155 artifacts including shells, ceramics, and stone materials, along with evidence of charcoal, charred wood, and lime floors.
Experts believe that the ruins were constructed by the Lordship of Metztitlán, shedding light on a previously unknown pre-Hispanic civilization in the area. Héctor Labra Chávez, Director of Tourism for San Agustín Metzquititlán, emphasized the importance of further studies to understand the cultural significance of this discovery.
To preserve the site, researchers conducted extensive documentation using drone-based photogrammetry. They built a protective rock masonry wall along the base of the pyramid and reburied the excavated areas while applying geotextiles to ensure their preservation. Despite budget cuts affecting future projects, the recovered artifacts and structural surveys will contribute valuable insights into the history of the Sierra Alta region.
The San Miguel site provides a unique opportunity to explore the human occupation of the area, dating back thousands of years. While archeologists may face challenges in returning to the site due to funding constraints, the information gathered from this discovery will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
