How a pyramid rose from the ashes of a colossal volcanic eruption

One of the largest volcanic events in recorded history destroyed an ancient Maya world. Archaeology reveals how they rebuilt.

Fifteen hundred years ago, Ilopango, a caldera volcano in what is now El Salvador, erupted in one of the largest events of its kind in recorded history. Known as the Tierra Blanca Joven eruption, it shot 10.5 cubic miles’ worth of tephra—pumice and ash—into the air, more than 100 times the amount produced by the Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980. The solids that resettled blanketed the valley below; those that didn’t are thought to have contributed to a cooler climate throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

The eruption has long been credited with hastening the end of the ancient Maya civilization that flourished throughout Mexico and Central America. But a new study in the

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

AI can help you plan your next trip—if you know how to ask.
Did this mysterious human relative bury its dead?
This new birth control for cats doesn't require surgery

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet