While building a highway, they discover an ancient pyramid! ⛏️

Hidden under tons of earth, an ancient pre-Hispanic pyramid had been lying dormant for centuries north of Mexico City. Its discovery, the result of a routine highway project, caught archaeologists off guard.

The construction site began like any other roadwork in the state of Hidalgo. But while digging, workers unearthed strange remains.


Alerted, researchers from INAH rushed to the site to confirm an unexpected reality: a buried pyramid almost 1,400 years old. Its construction dates back to the Epiclassic (650–950 AD) and Late Postclassic (1350–1519 AD) periods, key eras for Mesoamerican peoples.

On the surface, nothing suggested such a treasure. The site spans five specific sectors and consists of about ten mounds. The pyramid, 43 meters long (approx. 141 feet), holds immense historical potential. Initial excavations revealed 155 remarkably well-preserved artifacts: pottery, stone tools, and ceramic objects.

The INAH team attributes the construction to the Metzca lordship, a multi-ethnic people dominating the Sierra Alta region during that time. This ancient society flourished long before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. But who were they, really? Few direct traces remain of their daily lives. The discovery of this pyramid could provide new insights into their social organization and beliefs.

Researchers are faced with another issue: a lack of funding. According to data published by Archaeology News, INAH's budget will decrease by 45% in 2025. This restriction could slow or even halt the exploration of this exceptional site. A protective wall has been erected around the monument to prevent any deterioration.

Digital models created using drones show buried structures that are more complex than they initially seemed. The artifacts tell a story of ancient but sparse human activity, marked by multiple cultural influences. Was the pyramid a ritual center? An astronomical observation point? Future analyses could provide answers.

By digging deeper, archaeologists hope to reconstruct the history of the Metzca lordship and the surrounding region. But time is running out. Highway construction needs to resume, and the site risks being buried again, frozen in time.

This discovery serves as a reminder that Mexican soil remains a true treasure trove of history, where vestiges of ancient civilizations patiently await their moment to be uncovered.