Sometimes, the most astonishing findings come about unexpectedly. Just this June, during construction work in Mexico, an archaeological site dating back potentially over 1,000 years was unearthed. This remarkable event has opened up new avenues of exploration into the ancient human presence in the region.

The Significance of the Discovery

In Hidalgo, Mexico, archaeologists have been diligently investigating the foundations of a pyramid that was uncovered earlier this year while working on federal highway 105. As detailed in a December 5 statement by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), this site is part of a pre-Hispanic settlement, potentially shedding light on the ancient human occupation of Hidalgo's mountainous Sierra Alta region.A spokesperson from INAH stated, "The site and monument were meticulously documented with the aid of drones to create digital photogrammetric models." This advanced technology has allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the site.The excavation, led by Mexico's Ministry of Culture through INAH in Hidalgo, has revealed five "sectors" and at least ten archaeological mounds. In addition to these structures, archaeologists have collected 155 samples, including ceramics, shells, stone artifacts, lime floors, charcoal, soil, and carbonized wood. These samples will be studied in detail through laboratory analyses in the coming months, providing valuable insights into the past.The INAH archaeologists have dated the complex to between the Epiclassic period (650 to 950 CE) and Late Postclassic period (1350 to 1519 CE), predating the arrival of Europeans in Mexico. They suggest that it was associated with the small Metztitlan kingdom of indigenous people, also known as the Metzca, which remained independent until the Spanish arrived at the beginning of the 16th century. According to INAH, this kingdom had a "multi-ethnic imprint" that was still present when priests from the Order of Saint Augustine began building churches and convents.Archaeologists have further identified the site as part of a pre-Hispanic settlement called San Miguel, due to its modern proximity to the town of San Miguel Metzquititlán. San Miguel Metzquititlán is located within Barranca de Metztitlán, which is now a nature reserve in the Sierra Alta region. Some evidence suggests that human activity in this area dates back 14,000 years ago.After "exhaustive study," the INAH archaeologists reburied the archaeological complex. This conservation method is often employed when there are insufficient resources to properly manage a heritage site. Before reburial, experts protected the structures with geotextile, a permeable textile combined with other materials like rock or soil to safeguard archaeological ruins and other landmarks. As a final protective measure, workers have built a rock wall to further shield the reburied site from the nearby road construction.While it is disheartening to see heritage disappear beneath the soil again, it is crucial to preserve this important history until it can be properly managed. It remains to be seen what further laboratory analyses will uncover from the samples kept above ground.