Construction workers in Mexico made a remarkable discovery along a highway. They stumbled upon the ruins of a large pyramid, which has since sparked great interest among archaeologists. This find holds the potential to shed light on the rich history of the region.

Uncovering the Secrets of Mexico's Pre-Hispanic Past

Discovery and Initial Investigation

In June 2024, during the construction of a third lane on a federal highway in Hidalgo, east-central Mexico, the structure was unearthed. Archaeologists from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) quickly responded and headed to the scene. Using an aerial drone, they surveyed the area and collected 155 samples, including pieces of ceramics, stone tools, and animal shells. These artifacts will now be closely studied in the lab over the next few months, providing valuable insights into the past.

The discovery of the pyramid is just one part of a larger pre-Hispanic settlement known as San Miguel. This settlement dates between the Epiclassic period (650-950 CE) and the Late Postclassic period (1350-1519 CE), a time when the area was under the control of the "Metzca lordship." The INAH believes that this lordship left a "multi-ethnic imprint" that lasted until at least the 16th century CE.

However, human activity in the surrounding region dates back much further. The earliest settlements in the area are at least 14,000 years old, indicating a long and complex history.

Protecting the Relic

To safeguard the relic, the archaeological authorities approved the construction of a large wall around the pyramid. The wall measures 43 meters (141 feet) in length and 11.7 meters (38 feet) in height, providing a physical barrier to protect the site from further damage.

This act of protection shows the importance that is placed on preserving Mexico's cultural heritage. The pyramid is not only a physical structure but also a symbol of the country's past and a source of pride for its people.

The Role of LiDAR in Discoveries

Recent years have seen a wealth of new discoveries, many of which can be attributed to LiDAR. This remote sensing technology uses laser light to reveal a world hidden from the naked eye. It generates information about the shape and characteristics of objects that might otherwise be hidden by vegetation, the ground, or other structures.

In just the past year, the INAH used LiDAR to reveal traces of an 18-kilometer (11-mile) long highway that connected Maya cities over 1,200 years ago. Further south in present-day Guatemala, the imaging technique has also revealed evidence of a previously unknown Maya civilization made up of 964 interconnected settlements linked together with 177 kilometers (110 miles) of ancient roads.

These discoveries serve as a solid reminder that the pre-Columbian world was vibrant and incredibly complex long before the arrival of European colonizers. They show that there is still much to learn about our shared history and that archaeology continues to play a crucial role in uncovering the secrets of the past.