Until now, no evidence of pre-Hispanic civilizations had been documented in this immediate area, making the discovery even more noteworthy.
In a surprising turn of events, highway construction workers stumbled upon a stunning piece of history while expanding the Pachuca-Huejutla highway near Hidalgo, Mexico. What started as routine infrastructure work has turned into a significant archaeological discovery—a 1,375-year-old pyramid believed to have been constructed during the flourishing period of the Metzca lordship, a multiethnic society known for its complex cultural heritage.
The discovery, announced by Mexico’s Ministry of Culture and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) on December 5th, has captured the attention of historians and archaeologists alike. The site, now called “San Miguel,” is named after the nearby town of San Miguel Metzquititlán, where initial evidence of the pyramid emerged in early June.
The San Miguel Site
Archaeologists who were called to the site unearthed parts of the pyramid, referred to as “Structure 1.” This ancient structure includes five distinct sectors containing at least ten mounds. During the excavation, the team recovered 155 artifacts, including ceramics, shells, and stone tools. Evidence of burnt wood, lime floors, and charcoal added further depth to the site’s historical narrative.
The pyramid is attributed to the Lordship of Metztitlán, also known as the Metzca lordship, a culture that thrived in the Sierra Alta region of Hidalgo during the Epiclassic period (650-950 CE) and later in the Postclassic era (1350-1519 CE). Héctor Labra Chávez, Director of Tourism for San Agustín Metzquititlán, emphasized the importance of the find, stating, “Deeper studies are essential to uncover the cultural context of this significant find.” Until now, no evidence of pre-Hispanic civilizations had been documented in this immediate area, making the discovery even more noteworthy.
Preserving the Past Amid Challenges
Protecting the newly unearthed pyramid posed significant logistical challenges. After thoroughly documenting the site using advanced methods such as drone-based photogrammetry, researchers constructed a 141-foot-long, 38-foot-high, and 2.6-foot-thick rock wall to stabilize the pyramid’s exposed base. To preserve the delicate remains, the exposed sections were reburied and covered with geotextiles, a preservation material designed to protect archaeological sites from environmental damage.
Despite these efforts, future excavations at San Miguel may face delays. Budget cuts to INAH for 2025, amounting to a 45% reduction, are likely to impact archaeological projects across Mexico. Nonetheless, the artifacts and structural surveys already conducted provide valuable insights into the region’s history.
Uncovering a Rich Heritage
The San Miguel site adds another chapter to the deep history of the Sierra Alta region, particularly the Barranca de Metztitlán area, where human settlements date back 14,000 years. INAH highlighted the significance of the find, explaining that it “provides valuable insights into the human occupation of the Sierra Alta region.”
As researchers continue to analyze the recovered artifacts, the discovery of the San Miguel pyramid underscores the importance of balancing modern development with the preservation of cultural heritage. The find serves as a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, history often lies just beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed. How many more similar sites are still out there, waiting to be found?
