A huge Mayan city, named Valeriana, was recently unearthed in the jungles of the State of Campeche, southeast of Mexico. Discovery through advanced technology LiDAR, this city could have sheltered between 30,000 and 50,000 inhabitants at its peak, in the 9th century.
THE archaeologists have identified more than 6,700 structures on this site, including pyramids, A reservoir, A ball court and roads connecting various places. This discovery highlights how much there is still to learn about the scale and importance of Mayan cities, revealing significant gaps in our understanding of this fascinating civilization.
In a remote corner of the Mexican jungle, researchers have got their hands on an incredible discovery: a huge Mayan city named Valeriana. Using advanced LiDAR technology, archaeologists have been able to unearth remains of this mysterious civilization that is believed to have flourished centuries ago, potentially housing up to 50,000 inhabitants at its peak. This article immerses you in the mysteries and secrets of this forgotten city, revealing spectacular structures and the techniques that made it possible to rediscover it.
The discovery orchestrated by LiDAR technology
It was based on data collected in 2013 that experts were able to locate Valeriana. Technology LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) played a crucial role in this research, allowing entire areas to be mapped using light pulses. This method has previously been used to discover Khmer temples in Cambodia, proving its effectiveness in the archaeological environment. Images of this technology revealed 6,764 structures unexplored, hidden under the dense canopy of the jungle like true forgotten treasures.
A glimpse of life in Valeriana
While excavating what appears to be a bustling city, archaeologists have discovered infrastructure that reveals much about daily Mayan life. Valeriana, like many other metropolises of this fascinating culture, had a reservoir for water, a ball court for sports competitions and pyramids majestic. Additionally, a wide road connected different places, suggesting advanced social organization and dynamic community life.
A city in the heart of the jungle
This ancient city, which could have sheltered between 30,000 and 50,000 people in its golden age between 750 and 850 AD, proves that many Mayan settlements remain unknown. Each new discovery in the jungle enriches our knowledge of this fascinating culture, often perceived as extinct. Research on Valeriana highlights that the history of the Mayans is still full of mysteries to be discovered.
Growing historical importance
This discovery is not only surprising but also significant. Archaeologists say Valeriana highlights gaps still present in our understanding of ancient civilizations. Each unearthed structure is a valuable piece of this monumental puzzle, providing new insights into how these societies evolved and thrived. The fact that such cities still exist shows the importance of exploring and preserving this priceless heritage.
The role of conservation efforts
The research on Valeriana is part of a larger forest monitoring project, led by organizations keen to reduce the impact of deforestation and land degradation. This environmental protection work is essential to ensure that future generations can also explore these historic remains. Archaeologists and conservationists are joining forces to reveal history while preserving what remains of the Mexican jungle.
For more information on the archaeological projects, or find out how a simple internet search led to this extraordinary discovery at Clubic.
Valeriana: Secrets of the Mayan City
- Location : Located in the Campeche jungle, near the Guatemalan border.
- Name : Named Valeriana after a nearby lagoon.
- Population : Estimated between 30,000 and 50,000 inhabitants at its peak.
- Structures : More than 6,764 buildings, including pyramids and a reservoir.
- Discovery : Revealed through technology LiDAR and data collected since 2013.
- Architectural elements : Includes a ball court and wide roads.
- Historical significance : Reveals gaps in our knowledge of the Mayan civilization and its urbanizations.
- Research : Part of a forest monitoring project to protect the environment.
