The construction of a third lane on a major highway in Mexico encountered an unforeseen delay when workers stumbled upon a significant archaeological find: a pyramid estimated to be around 1,375-years-old. The pyramid dates back to the peak of the Metzca lordship, a multiethnic society that once thrived in the region.
The pyramid, known as “Structure 1,” was uncovered during construction of a third lane on the Pachuca-Huejutla highway in San Agustín Metzquititlán, reports archaelogymag.com
The site comprises five sectors with at least ten mounds and has yielded 155 artifacts, including ceramics, shells, and stone tools, alongside evidence of lime floors, charcoal, and burned wood.
Researchers suggest the settlement may have been linked to the Metzca lordship, a multi-ethnic society that thrived in the Sierra Alta region.
INAH stated in an official report: “This archaeological record offers valuable insights into human occupation in the Sierra Alta region, particularly the Barranca de Metztitlán area, where historiography identifies settlements dating back 14,000 years.”
The organisation undertook extensive documentation, including drone-based digital photogrammetry. Structure 1 was stabilised with a 43-meter masonry wall and subsequently reburied for preservation, with geotextiles used to shield exposed elements before covering.
Preliminary findings have been shared with local educational institutions, such as the Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Hidalgo and the Technological University of the Sierra Hidalguense, to promote awareness of the region’s archaeological heritage.
Héctor Labra Chávez, Director of Tourism for San Agustín Metzquititlán, said: “There are no known remnants of pre-Hispanic civilizations in this immediate area. Deeper studies are essential to uncover the cultural context of this significant find.”
Researchers suggest the settlement may have been linked to the Metzca lordship, a multi-ethnic society that thrived in the Sierra Alta region.
“This archaeological record offers valuable insights into human occupation in the Sierra Alta region, particularly the Barranca de Metztitlán area, where historiography identifies settlements dating back 14,000 years,” INAH stated in an official report.
