INVC News
Mexico : Scientists have made a significant discovery in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, unearthing the remains of a lost Maya city. Named Na Okumtun, meaning “Pillar of Stones,” the site spans an area of 50 hectares and contains numerous pillars and pyramidal structures, with the tallest measuring 50 feet in height.
The discovery was made using Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) technology, which involves using laser shots from a helicopter to map the Maya Terai region. This non-invasive technique allows researchers to identify man-made structures beneath the ground without the need for extensive digging. The findings suggest that Na Okumtun was an important regional center within the broader Maya civilization, which extended from southern Mexico to Central America.
The Maya civilization reached its zenith during the 1st century but experienced a collapse between the 9th and 11th centuries. Despite this decline, Maya culture has persisted, and the Maya people are still a living civilization today. Alongside the pyramids and pillars, archaeologists have discovered artifacts such as walking ceramics and a ballgame court, as well as several large complexes. These structures are providing valuable insights into the purpose and function of the site, with some suggesting that they may have served as marketplaces for community rituals.
Ivan Prajak, the Head of the Institute of Anthropology and Spatial Studies in Slovenia and the chief archaeologist involved in the project, expressed the need for further analysis of the collected samples to uncover more information about the site. Situated within the Balmaku Ecological Reserve in Campeche, Mexico, the location of Na Okumtun saw the construction of numerous large pyramids during the classic period of the Maya civilization, which spanned from 250 to 1000 AD.
This discovery adds to our understanding of the rich and complex history of the Maya civilization, shedding light on their architectural achievements, societal structures, and cultural practices. It highlights the importance of ongoing archaeological research in uncovering the hidden treasures of ancient civilizations.
