The importance of preserving ancient monuments for future generations
The recent collapses of a pyramid in Mexico and the Double Arch in the USA underscore the importance of preserving artifacts from ancient civilizations for future generations.
A shocking event has recently impacted two historical sites in different locations across the American continent, highlighting the vulnerability of cultural heritage to climate change.
The collapse of an ancient pyramid near Lake Pátzcuaro in Mexico occurred shortly after the collapse of the iconic Double Arch in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah, which fell into Lake Powell. Both events, attributed to global climate changes, could be interpreted as signs of potential future problems.
The pyramid, located in the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone in Michoacán, was weakened by high temperatures, which caused cracks that allowed water infiltration. The collapse occurred during a night of torrential rain on July 29 2024, causing the central part of the southern facade to give way, as reported by the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH).
INAH authorities promptly intervened to assess the damage. Staff visited the heritage site in the early hours of July 30, confirming damage to at least six tiered sections of the south base of the pre-Hispanic monument, involving both the external walls and the internal core and walls.
The Ihuatzio settlement, which covered about 150 hectares, housed at least 84 structures, seven of which are currently displayed in the archaeological park. Founded thousand years ago, the peak of Ihuatzio's glory was between 1200 and 1521 AD, when it was the capital of the Purépecha empire, a significant rival of the Aztecs.
Despite little is known about these american pyramids, it is believed that the structures of Ihuatzio served a dual function: sacred spaces for rituals and spiritual ceremonies, but also as symbols of power and political authority of the Purépecha culture. These monuments were witnesses to ancient battles among Mesoamerican powers, with the Purépecha resisting the Aztec expansion.
Currently, descendants of the Purépecha still live in some areas of Michoacán, and some have interpreted the collapse of the pyramid as an omen of imminent doom, in line with the historical traditions of their culture, invoking similar events that occurred before the arrival of the conquistadors.
Despite superstitious interpretations, it is important to consider these events as tangible signals of the changes occurring on our planet, highlighting the importance of preserving and protecting our cultural heritage in the face of the environmental challenges we are facing.
