Last summer, when the majestic pyramid in Michoacán crumbled into a pile of rubble, local residents saw it as an ominous sign. They believed the gods were sending them a warning about something bad that was about to happen.
However, researchers assured them that the cause of the destruction of this cultural landmark was quite mundane and well-known: global warming.
Extreme weather events and rising sea levels are currently threatening many valuable cultural heritage sites around the world. The collapse of the stone pyramid in the archaeological zone of Ihuatzio serves as yet another stark example of this reality.
What Happened
On the night of July 29, the 15-meter ancient architectural marvel suddenly fell under the relentless downpour. Its southern wall quickly turned into a heap of stones.
Once, this pyramid was a sacred structure of the kingdom of Michoacán. For about 1,100 years, the local indigenous population spoke the Nahuatl language. Members of this ancient civilization used the pyramid for religious rituals. Notably, it had been well-preserved until now. And perhaps it would have stood intact for another 1,000 years if the climate crisis of our time hadn’t taken its toll.
When the pyramid collapsed (it was one of dozens of structures located in this historic area), Mexicans were genuinely alarmed. They saw it as a warning of something ominous. However, officials from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reassured them that the pyramid’s collapse was caused by human-induced climate change. They also reported that six of the pyramid’s “stepped structures” are in a state of emergency.
This dramatic event was preceded by extreme weather conditions. In July of last year, Mexico suffered from heavy rains and thunderstorms, as reported by Science Alert. This followed the worst drought the country had experienced in 30 years, during which rainfall was so scarce that several lakes completely dried up.
“High temperatures previously recorded in this area, along with the drought, led to the formation of cracks that allowed water to seep into the pre-Hispanic structure,” INAH stated. Since then, the collapse became inevitable.
Now, researchers and authorities are focused on restoring the structure “for the benefit of Mexico’s cultural heritage.”
Opinions on the Matter
The work of archaeologists involves studying the behavior of ancient peoples. However, the work of these scientists is inevitably influenced by the actions of modern humans.
Extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels, driven by human-induced climate change, have become a serious threat to ancient monuments.
Just days before the pyramid fell in Mexico, the famous Double Arch in Utah also collapsed, likely due to changes in water levels and erosion.
Recently, archaeologists discovered that ancient rock paintings in Oceania are also deteriorating due to accelerating global warming.
Meanwhile, a new study of building materials that are part of cultural heritage in Europe and Mexico has shown rather grim results. With a significant increase in precipitation, buildings made from these materials are at risk of damage.
World cultural and historical heritage sites are invaluable. Therefore, we must preserve them for future generations rather than watch them crumble due to the climate crisis caused by irresponsible human behavior.