In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have uncovered a large Mayan city in the remote jungles of Mexico, which had been hidden beneath vegetation for centuries. The site, named Valeriana, was identified in the southeastern state of Campeche using Lidar technology.
Archaeologists found various structures, including pyramids, sports fields, and connected causeways, indicating a flourishing civilization that may have housed 30,000 to 50,000 residents during its peak from 750 to 850 AD. The discovery comes as a significant finding for the region, which has rarely been recognized for its historical complexity.
This revelation was made possible when Luke Auld-Thomas, a PhD student, stumbled upon radar survey data while researching online. His subsequent analysis revealed the existence of the ancient city, which covers about 16.6 square kilometers and features two major centers linked by a network of dense homes and roadways.
In total, Auld-Thomas and his team surveyed different locations, identifying nearly 6,764 buildings ranging in size. The architecture included plazas with temple pyramids where Mayans are believed to have worshipped and played traditional ball games.
Despite the challenges of locating ancient sites in dense jungles, Lidar technology has transformed archaeological research. This non-invasive method allows for the mapping of significant areas that were previously inaccessible. According to experts, the rapid growth of this technology could mean that numerous other lost cities await discovery.
While the findings create excitement in the field of archaeology, there are concerns about the implications of population density in ancient Mayan civilizations. Researchers indicate that the environmental changes, such as droughts, may have contributed to the eventual decline of these societies.
The versatile application of Lidar continues to open doors for archaeological revelations, marking the discovery of Valeriana as a promising chapter in understanding the complexities of ancient Mayan life.
Credit: BBC News
