The 43 meter wide building, of Metzca culture, could not be completely excavated by Mexican archaeologists due to the lack of resources of the national institute.
In Mexico, even a simple highway construction can turn into a large-scale archaeological adventure. This is precisely what happened in the state of Hidalgo, north of Mexico, when work to widen federal highway 105 revealed an ancient pyramid, buried for centuries. Excavations carried out by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) brought to light an enigmatic structure dating back almost 1,400 years, accompanied by numerous artifacts.
Budget constraints
Located near San Agustín Metzquititlán, the pyramid, named « Structure 1 »is attributed to the multi-ethnic Metzca society, which flourished in the Sierra Alta region between the Epiclassic (650–950) and Late Postclassic (1350–1519) periods. This site, nicknamed “San Miguel” because of its proximity to San Miguel Metzquititlán, extends over five sectors and includes at least ten mounds. Archaeologists discovered 155 remarkably well-preserved objects there, such as ceramic pottery, stone tools, shells, as well as traces of lime floors, charcoal and charred wood. The pyramid itself, with a length of 43 meters, was consolidated with a masonry wall before being reburied to ensure its conservation. Geotextiles were used to protect exposed features, while drones were used to produce detailed photogrammetric models.
This discovery constitutes a boon for researchers, who hope to better understand the ways of life of the Metzca lordship before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. However, this ambition faces major financial obstacles: the INAH budget should be reduced by 45% in 2025, limiting the possibilities for continuing excavations and deepening research. Héctor Labra Chávez, tourism director of San Agustín Metzquititlán, highlighted the importance of this discovery in a region where no pre-Hispanic remains had yet been identified. He also noted that the base of the pyramid extends beneath the highway, requiring additional exploration to better understand its extent and cultural context.
The state of Hidalgo is already known for its iconic pre-Hispanic sites, such as the Atlanteans of Tula, imposing Toltec figures representing Quetzalcoatl, and the Xihuingo archaeological zone, home to the El Tecolote pyramid and astronomical markers associated with Teotihuacán.