If you believe in ancient curses, you might want to avoid reading this article, because a 1,100-year-old stone pyramid just collapsed and locals are calling it a “bad omen.”
We really don’t need this in an election year!
The collapse of an ancient pyramid in Mexico due to extreme weather has sparked concern and symbolic interpretations from local communities. The ancient structure, located in Michoacán at the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone, saw part of its southern wall crumble after heavy rainfall followed a prolonged drought. For the P’urhépecha tribe, descendants of the once-powerful Purépecha Empire that inhabited the region, this event is more than a structural failure — it is seen as a bad omen.
The pyramid, a well-preserved symbol of the ancient Michoacán Kingdom, was an important cultural and historical site. The collapse, which occurred on July 29, 2024, was a direct result of climate-related factors, with the drought causing cracks in the structure that allowed rainwater to seep in. The water pressure eventually caused sections of the pyramid’s walls to give way, damaging at least six parts of the monument, including its exterior wall, core, and retaining wall.
Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has since been working to assess the damage and begin repairs, acknowledging the significant cultural loss. The site, which contains other pyramids, monuments, and ceremonial centers, is a key representation of the Purépecha civilization, the only empire that the Aztecs could not conquer. Today, around 100,000 members of the P’urhépecha tribe still live in Mexico, and the collapse of the pyramid holds a deep symbolic meaning for them.
Tariakuiri Alvarez, a member of the P’urhépecha tribe, expressed on social media that his ancestors would have seen the collapse as a sign of divine displeasure. He referenced similar events before the arrival of European conquerors, adding weight to the belief that such collapses are not mere accidents but carry a larger, spiritual significance.
This collapse also highlights the growing threat of climate change on ancient structures and heritage sites worldwide. In recent years, increased flooding, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels have already damaged significant landmarks, such as rock arches and ancient cave paintings. The impact of these environmental changes is being felt globally, from the collapse of Utah’s iconic “Double Arch” to the melting ice shelves of Antarctica.
For the P’urhépecha tribe and Mexico as a whole, the collapse of this pyramid is a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities that climate change poses to cultural heritage. While the Mexican government is working to repair the structure, the event serves as a warning about the ongoing challenges of preserving history in the face of environmental degradation.
In response, INAH has opened an insurance claim to begin reconstruction, though the process will be long and complex. As heritage sites face mounting threats from an overheating planet, efforts to mitigate the damage may involve not just restoring these structures, but also considering broader climate action to preserve them for future generations.
The collapse of the Ihuatzio pyramid serves as a stark example of how climate change doesn’t just threaten our environment but also our shared human history. As the world continues to warm, many more ancient structures could face a similar fate, putting at risk not only the physical remnants of past civilizations but also the cultural legacies they represent.
