Revolutionary discovery of an ancient Mayan city, previously thought to be „impossible“ to find, could dramatically change our understanding of past civilizations and their way of life.
Most famous for the (fortunately incorrect) prophecy of the end of the world in 2012, the Maya also built impressive structures. Their tall stone pyramids, built thousands of years ago, still stand as symbols of a rich civilization. Their mysterious downfall and rich history continue to intrigue researchers. Although we do not know exactly why the Maya disappeared, it is believed that the civilization began to decline between 850 and 1000 AD, while their descendants are still present today. The recent discovery of one of their lost cities further illuminates their history.
Deep in the Guatemalan jungle lies the ancient Mayan city of El Mirador, which was previously considered „impossible“ to discover. This complex consists of about 400 interconnected settlements, some of which date back to 3000 years ago, connected by roads, as reported by „LADbible“. Archaeologists have discovered 417 settlements connected by roads measuring about 170 kilometers, which is considered the „first highway system in the world“. The authors of the study told the „Washington Post“ that this ancient interconnected city was built around 1000 years before Christ, opening a new chapter in human history. Richard Hansen, a professor of archaeology at Idaho State University, described the discovery as a „game changer“, while archaeologist Enrique Hernandez from San Carlos University compared the significance of this discovery to the Egyptian pyramids. Hernandez has spent months each year for the past 20 years excavating El Mirador, and technological advances have allowed researchers to more accurately explore the jungle. The Lidar technology (light detection and ranging) enabled researchers to discover the full extent of the ancient city and understand that it consists of sophisticated interconnected settlements with an impressive transportation system. Now, with a clearer picture of what lies in that area, researchers can more thoroughly explore the ancient city and learn more, although with 417 sites to visit, they will have a lot of work to do, as reported by „Klik“.
The discovery of the ancient Mayan city of El Mirador is a significant breakthrough in archaeology, shedding new light on the complexity and sophistication of Mayan civilization. The interconnected settlements and advanced road system provide insight into how the Maya lived, traded, and communicated with each other. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the limits of Maya civilization and underscores the need for further exploration and study of ancient sites in the region. The use of Lidar technology has revolutionized archaeological research, allowing researchers to uncover hidden structures and gain a more comprehensive understanding of ancient civilizations like the Maya. The rich history and cultural heritage of the Maya continue to captivate researchers and the general public, and discoveries like El Mirador only add to the mystery and wonder of this ancient civilization.
In conclusion, the recent discovery of the ancient Mayan city of El Mirador has the potential to reshape our understanding of past civilizations and their achievements. The interconnected nature of the settlements and the advanced road system point to a sophisticated society with a complex social structure and extensive trade networks. As researchers continue to explore and excavate the site, we can expect to learn more about the daily lives, beliefs, and practices of the Maya people. This groundbreaking discovery reinforces the importance of archaeological research and the value of preserving and studying ancient sites for future generations. The legacy of the Maya lives on through their impressive architectural achievements and cultural contributions, and the discovery of El Mirador serves as a testament to their enduring influence on the world.
