In a significant archaeological breakthrough, researchers have discovered a previously unknown Maya city, now named Valeriana, nestled deep in the lush jungles of Campeche, Mexico. This site, located a mere 15-minute walk from a major highway near Dos Lagunas, showcases the extensive reach of the ancient Maya civilization, which previously remained obscured by thick vegetation.
Marcello Canuto, an archaeologist from Tulane University, expressed awe at the simplicity of the discovery process, emphasizing how a mere 100 meters of dense forest can hide hidden treasures beneath its canopy. The team employed aerial scans designated for ecological studies to locate the ancient ruins, marking a shift from traditional ground-digging methods in archaeology.
The scans revealed a remarkable complex featuring quintessential elements of Maya architecture, according to Luke Auld-Thomas, a doctoral student at Tulane. The site boasts an array of structures typical of a flourishing Maya city, including temple pyramids, a palace complex, expansive public plazas, reservoirs, and dams, all connected by broad processional pathways that span hilltops.
In addition to these monumental constructions, the archaeologists uncovered remnants of residential buildings, agricultural terraces, field walls, garden spaces, and other indicators of sustained human activity, which collectively illustrate the ingenuity and expansive nature of the Maya civilization. This newfound site not only enriches historical narratives but also underscores the necessity of advanced surveying methods in uncovering hidden archaeological wonders.
Marcello Canuto, an archaeologist from Tulane University, expressed awe at the simplicity of the discovery process, emphasizing how a mere 100 meters of dense forest can hide hidden treasures beneath its canopy. The team employed aerial scans designated for ecological studies to locate the ancient ruins, marking a shift from traditional ground-digging methods in archaeology.
The scans revealed a remarkable complex featuring quintessential elements of Maya architecture, according to Luke Auld-Thomas, a doctoral student at Tulane. The site boasts an array of structures typical of a flourishing Maya city, including temple pyramids, a palace complex, expansive public plazas, reservoirs, and dams, all connected by broad processional pathways that span hilltops.
In addition to these monumental constructions, the archaeologists uncovered remnants of residential buildings, agricultural terraces, field walls, garden spaces, and other indicators of sustained human activity, which collectively illustrate the ingenuity and expansive nature of the Maya civilization. This newfound site not only enriches historical narratives but also underscores the necessity of advanced surveying methods in uncovering hidden archaeological wonders.
