GabyResearchers from scientific centers in the USA, Guatemala, and France have discovered hundreds of hidden archaeological sites in northern Guatemala, in the karst basin of Mirador-Calakmul. Archaeologists date the settlements from 1000 BC to 250 AD. The area of the findings covers approximately 1,683 square kilometers.
Not long ago, discovering lost civilizations beneath the dense canopy of jungles was not possible. However, the technology of remote laser sensing, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), has come to the aid of researchers. It allows them to look beneath thick vegetation and find hidden structures. Based on the data obtained, three-dimensional maps of the terrain are created, the publication reported. Science Alert .
What archaeologists discovered
About 1000 hidden Maya settlements.RedThe residential buildings, pyramids, and infrastructure objects have provided archaeologists with a wealth of new information about the social relations within the ancient civilization. Researchers have suggested that this case pertains to a part of a state similar to a kingdom.
The area of recent discoveries was quite densely populated. This is yet another testament to how people inhabited Mesoamerican regions. In addition to residential structures located very close to each other, the international team uncovered religious and ceremonial centers, sports and gaming fields, as well as an advanced system of dams and canals. Parts of the densely populated landscape were connected by an almost 200-kilometer network of causeways, which allowed travelers to move through the jungles even during heavy rains.
Structures and dams discovered during the survey.
According to researchers, the construction of residential and infrastructure buildings required people from many professions, such as architects, bricklayers, quarry workers, and producers of lime and other building materials. Law enforcement representatives were to oversee the workers.
As noted by researchers in their report, the scale of labor involved in the construction of massive platforms, palaces, dams, and pyramids required the presence of thousands of organized specialists and workers.
Archaeologists concluded that the diversity of structures in the settlements indicates the presence of a developed society in the pre-classical era. It was characterized by a high level of socio-economic organization and political power.
The team is confident that the search for unknown archaeological sites in this part of the world must continue. And LIDAR will undoubtedly reveal many more interesting objects hidden in the jungle.
