The ancient Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas and is believed to have lived in an area roughly the size of Texas across what is now Southern Mexico and northern Central America . The Mayan ruins are often hidden deep in the jungle, making their discovery a challenging task for archaeologists .
Discoveries of Ancient Mayan Cities
Baalamkú: In 2023, archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient Mayan city deep in the jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula in southern Mexico. The city, named Baalamkú, includes several pyramidal structures over 15 meters tall .
El Mirador: In northern Guatemala, archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of a vast ancient Maya civilization that flourished more than 2,000 years ago. This urban web encompassed nearly 1,000 settlements across 650 square miles and was linked by an immense causeway system. The discovery was made using airborne laser instruments known as LiDAR .
Chactún, Lagunita, and Tamchén: In 2013, archaeologists discovered a previously unknown city called Chactún, dating back to the 8th century. They later located two more Maya cities, Lagunita and Tamchén, which featured pyramid temples, plazas, and intricately carved stele. These cities seemed to have been mysteriously abandoned around 1,200 years ago .
Technology and Discoveries
LiDAR Technology: Advanced laser mapping technology called LiDAR has been used to detect the remains of early Mayan civilizations since 2015. LiDAR allows for the discovery of hidden structures without harming the rainforests. It works by pulsing light waves down from an airplane, which bounce off objects below and create a three-dimensional map of the environment .
Preservation: The discovery of these ancient Mayan cities raises questions about how one society living in a tropical jungle in Central America became one of the greatest ancient civilizations in the world. It also highlights the importance of preserving these sites for future research .
Significance of Mayan Ruins
The Mayan ruins in Mexico stand as a testament to the incredible civilizations that built them. These ancient ruins were once the sites of vibrant cities brimming with unbridled ingenuity. The pyramids in Mexico, built by ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and the Mayans, were used for religious or ceremonial purposes .