Drought causes 450-year-old Mexican church to emerge from reservoir

[Renew Deal]

The Temple of Quechula was built in 1564 but later abandoned and ultimately submerged by a dam. Now drought conditions in Chiapas have seen it rise again

The ruins of a 16th century church have emerged from the waters of a reservoir in Mexico.

The water level in the Nezahualcóyotl reservoir in Chiapas state has dropped by 25m (82ft) because of a drought in the area. The church, known as the Temple of Santiago or the Temple of Quechula, has been under nearly 100ft of water since 1966.

The church, which is believed to have been built by Spanish colonists, is 183ft long and 42ft wide, with a bell tower that rises 48ft above the ground.
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http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/19/drought-mexican-church-reservoir

[Judi Lynn]

1. Sunken 400-year-old Temple of Santiago emerges in Mexico after drought

October 19, 2015

Sunken 400-year-old Temple of Santiago emerges in Mexico after drought
by Savanna Walker

While a drought lowering the level of a reservoir is never great news, the Mexican state of Chiapas at least gets to enjoy an amazing architectural silver lining.

When a drought recently impacted the Grijalva River and lowered the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir, the water receded to reveal the ruins of a colonial-era church, according to a report on Mashable. The church was flooded when the reservoir and dam were constructed in 1966, and has since been under almost 100 feet of water.

Alternately called the Temple of Santiago or the Temple of Quechula, the site was built in the mid-16th century by monks led by Friar Bartolome de las Casas, and later abandoned during plagues that ravaged the area from 1773 to 1776. T

The Friar originally supported the oppression and enslavement of the native Mexican peoples, but later became famous for his advocacy on their behalf, supporting legislation that curtailed or prohibited slavery. The area was once the territory of the Zoque people, whose presence predated the Olmecs and the Aztecs, but were nearly destroyed by European diseases and forced labor.

How'd this church get here?

Architect Carlos Navarrete believes that the site is the work of the same builder that constructed the nearby monastery of Tecpatan in 1564. Both were built close to the King’s Highway, which was an important road built by the Spanish conquistadors and is still used today.

More:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1113410031/sunken-400-year-old-temple-of-santiago-emerges-in-mexico-after-drought-101915/

(Impressive photo posted with the first article above. Thanks.)

[pansypoo53219]

2. they built things to last.

[senz]

3. Beautiful architecture

Even though it had its problems, I'll bet it was lovely with bells, walkways, landscaping. Way too heavy to move though, but at least we have photos.

[Hortensis]

4. What a remarkable and poignant picture. And situation. Thanks, Renew Deal.