In the heart of the southern jungle of Campeche, Mexico, a breakthrough in archaeology reveals a long-lost Maya city named Valeriana, located just a short distance from a major highway yet hidden beneath layers of thick forest. The initiative, led by archaeologist Marcello Canuto from Tulane University, challenges previous conceptions of Maya civilization’s spatial extent and sophistication.
Using advanced lidar technology, the team was able to visualize the intricate layout of the site, which showcases an impressive array of structures designed akin to those one would expect in a video game depiction of an ancient city. "It's got temple pyramids, a palace complex, big public plazas, reservoirs, dams, and a broad processional causeway," said Luke Auld-Thomas, a doctoral candidate who played a pivotal role in identifying Valeriana through these scans.
The research team revealed additional features including residential buildings, agricultural terraces, and field walls, highlighting the advanced engineering and urban planning of the Maya. This discovery not only adds to the existing archaeological narrative but also emphasizes the need for continued exploration of undiscovered sites that might redefine human history in the region.
As the team continues to excavate and study the ruins, Valeriana stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and remarkable adaptability of the Maya civilization, reminding us of the marvels that still await beneath the canopies of nature.
Using advanced lidar technology, the team was able to visualize the intricate layout of the site, which showcases an impressive array of structures designed akin to those one would expect in a video game depiction of an ancient city. "It's got temple pyramids, a palace complex, big public plazas, reservoirs, dams, and a broad processional causeway," said Luke Auld-Thomas, a doctoral candidate who played a pivotal role in identifying Valeriana through these scans.
The research team revealed additional features including residential buildings, agricultural terraces, and field walls, highlighting the advanced engineering and urban planning of the Maya. This discovery not only adds to the existing archaeological narrative but also emphasizes the need for continued exploration of undiscovered sites that might redefine human history in the region.
As the team continues to excavate and study the ruins, Valeriana stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and remarkable adaptability of the Maya civilization, reminding us of the marvels that still await beneath the canopies of nature.
