Ruins of ancient Mayan city discovered in deep jungles of Mexico
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A lost ancient city of Mayan civilization has been uncovered in the deep forests of southern Mexico.
Archaeologists named the city Ocomtun, which means "stone column" in the Yucatec Maya language. Ocomtun was likely an important regional center between 250-1000 AD (Classic period).
Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) discovered deep inside the Balamku natural reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Laser scanning revealed hidden Mayan structures
The city was discovered by chance while exploring the desolate forests of Campeche on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Some areas of Campeche are densely forested and have been mostly unexplored until recently.
The team used modern LiDAR laser scanning technology to search within this thick forest region.
At first, the team noticed high terrain surrounded by extensive wetlands, which turned out to be a lost Mayan city upon closer examination.
The scan observations revealed the presence of "numerous concentrations of pre-Hispanic structures” on this elevated terrain that had previously remained hidden within the jungle.
The monumental site
The city would have been a vital hub for various activities and exchanges back then.
Some ruins resemble 50-foot pyramids, which the Mayans most likely built.
Archeologists estimate that this ancient city originally included pyramid-like buildings, stone columns, several plazas, and other structures organized in almost-concentric circles based on the collected remains.
The center also most likely contained a ball court, a popular game across the Maya region and thought to have had an important religious role.
The archaeologists also found remains of central altars along the La Riguena River. They're unsure what these altars were for, although they might have been utilized for communal ceremonies.
The specimens of cylindrical stone columns found at the site inspired the archaeologists to name this city. These stone columns were most likely used as doorways to rooms in the building’s upper parts.
Aside from it, pottery from the Late Classic period (600 to 800 AD) was discovered on the site.
The collapse of the city
Archeologists believe the city began to collapse between 800 and 1000 AD.
It was most likely a result of "ideological and population changes" that contributed to the region's downfall by the 10th century.
The Maya is considered one of the Western Hemisphere's most prominent civilizations. They are well-known for constructing pyramid temples and stone structures in what is now southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.
The civilization is also recognized for developing advanced mathematical calendars. Reportedly, its fall was caused by widespread political breakdown centuries before the advent of Spanish conquistadors.
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