Construction on a highway expansion project in Mexico has been halted after the discovery of a massive pyramid. The ancient structure, estimated to be between 300 and 400 meters in size, was unearthed in the municipality of San Agustín Metzquititlán, in the state of Hidalgo, on December 1st.
Specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) were called to the site by local authorities and confirmed the find, uncovering fragments of obsidian and cave paintings depicting faces, arrows, and everyday objects, suggesting the presence of an ancient citadel.
“There are no vestiges of pre-Hispanic civilizations in the region,” said Héctor Labra Chávez, Director of Tourism for San Agustín Metzquititlán, highlighting the importance of the discovery.”We need to carry out more in-depth research to understand the culture that settled in this territory.”
Despite the ancient importance of the find, INAH has announced that it will not be able to continue exploration and excavation work due to a severe lack of funding. This decision comes on the heels of budget cuts announced by Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum for 2025, which considerably reduced funding for cultural institutions, including INAH.
A Region Rich in History
The state of hidalgo is home to several other significant pre-Hispanic sites,including the colossal Atlantean figures of Tula and the Xihuingo archaeological zone in Tepeapulco. The Atlanteans, four towering stone statues nearly five meters high, are considered the largest anthropomorphic figures in the region and are believed to be representations of the feathered serpent deity, Quetzalcoatl.
The Xihuingo archaeological zone,meanwhile,offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Otomi people who inhabited the area centuries ago.
The discovery of the pyramid in San Agustín Metzquititlán adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past, but its future remains uncertain due to the lack of resources needed for further exploration.
## Lost City Rises: Expert Weighs In on Mexico’s Monumental discovery
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive Interview**
**Mexico City** – The rumble of construction has given way to hushed whispers of awe as a gargantuan pyramid, potentially part of a lost ancient city, emerges from the earth in Hidalgo, Mexico. Uncovered during highway expansion,the massive structure,estimated at 300-400 meters across,is sending ripples thru the archaeological community.
To shed light on this remarkable discovery, we spoke to Dr. Elena Ramirez, a leading archaeologist specializing in Mesoamerican cultures and a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
**World-Today-News:** Dr. ramirez, this discovery seems truly remarkable. Can you tell us what makes this pyramid so significant?
**Dr.Ramirez:** This find has the potential to rewrite our understanding of the pre-Hispanic period in Hidalgo.The sheer size of the pyramid is astounding, suggesting a level of societal complexity and organization that we haven’t seen before in this region. The presence of obsidian fragments and cave paintings depicting everyday life further hints at a thriving civilization that had mastered advanced techniques and possessed a rich cultural heritage.
**World-today-News:** Initial reports suggest that the pyramid could be part of a larger ancient city. What evidence supports this theory?
**dr. Ramirez:** The layout of the site, combined with the presence of obsidian fragments and the cave paintings, strongly suggests that this pyramid was not a standalone structure. It’s likely part of a **larger urban complex**, which could include other pyramids, temples, dwellings, and public spaces. This
possibility is incredibly exciting, as it opens up the potential for discovering an entire lost city.
**World-today-News:** The construction project has been halted. What are the next steps in terms of examination and preservation?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Rightfully so, the focus now shifts to careful excavation and preservation.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) will lead the effort,utilising cutting-edge technology to document the site and painstakingly uncover the secrets buried beneath centuries of soil.This will be a multi-faceted effort involving archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, and conservators, all working together to peel back the layers of time and reveal the rich story this site has to tell.
**World-Today-News:** What impact could this discovery have on our understanding of ancient Mexico?
**Dr. Ramirez:** This is a watershed moment. It’s a reminder that the history of Mexico is still being written. This discovery has the potential to challenge existing narratives, shed light on previously unknown cultures, and deepen our understanding of the rich and complex tapestry of pre-Hispanic Mexico.
**world-today-News:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Ramirez.
**Dr. Ramirez:** It’s a privilege to be a part of this engaging chapter in Mexican history.
