Ancient pyramid collapse sparks fear of bad omen as locals warn 'the gods are displeased'

An ancient pyramid collapsed in Mexico and some people believe it is a bad omen . The magnificent structure sits in the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone near Lake Pátzcuaro in the Michoacán sta of Mexico and pre-dates Hispanic times.

Heavy rainfall caused the monument's south wall to collapse, sparking fears that it signals something bad to come. The wall now sits as a pile of rubble on the side of the pyramid.

High temperatures initially caused the interior structure of the pyramid to collapse, experts say, with ensuing heavy rainfall causing the wall to fall. Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History researchers say that rising global temperatures are causing such ancient sites to become damaged and fall.

• Amanda Balionis' net worth as she leaves behind massive salary at CBS for major new gig

• USA's Olympics hero hits out at Donald Trump with brutal two-word statement

"On the night of July 29, 2024, due to the heavy rains that have fallen in the basin of Lake Pátzcuaro, with an accumulation above the expected average of precipitation, a collapse occurred in the central part of the southern facade of one of the pyramidal bases of the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone," they said.

"‘The high temperatures, previously recorded in the area, and the consequent drought caused cracks that favored the filtration of water into the interior of the pre-Hispanic building."

"Beginning in the early hours of Tuesday, the 30th, INAH Michoacán Center personnel moved to the heritage site to assess the damage caused," they added. "Their observations confirmed the damage to at least six of the stepped bodies of the so-called South Base, both in its exterior wall of slabs, as well as in its core and retaining wall.

"Damage assessment activities continue and are focused not only on recovering the affected part, but also on thoroughly repairing the structure of the building." It is believed that the structure was built around 1,100 years ago.

Historians believe that the pyramid was a spiritual site used for rituals for the Purépecha Empire, which rivaled the famous Aztec Empire. One descendant of the Purépecha people explained on social media how this collapse is a bad omen.

"Before the arrival of the conquerors, according to historical accounts, something similar happened to the purhé (Purépechan) worldview of that time was because the Gods Nana kuerhaépiri and K’eri Kurikweri were displeased," a translated version of the original Facebook post said.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .