In a groundbreaking discovery, an ancient Maya city has been uncovered amidst the dense jungles of southern Mexico. The announcement was made by the country’s anthropology institute, which believes that the newly found city was a significant center over a thousand years ago.
Named Ocomtun, meaning “stone column” in the Yucatec Maya language, this magnificent city showcases grand pyramid-like structures, stone columns, and three plazas adorned with imposing buildings. Its unique architectural layout forms almost-concentric circles, emphasizing the city’s grandeur.
Located within the Balamku ecological reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula, the city remained hidden within a vast unexplored stretch of jungle, surpassing the size of Luxembourg. The remarkable discovery was made possible through the use of aerial laser mapping (LiDAR) technology, conducted between March and June. This advanced technique allowed researchers to penetrate the dense vegetation and reveal the secrets of this ancient civilization.
The Maya civilization, known for its mathematical prowess, once thrived across southeastern Mexico and parts of Central America. However, political turmoil and subsequent decline marked the fate of the Maya societies long before the Spanish conquistadors arrived. Ocomtun provides invaluable insights into this enigmatic civilization and its religious practices.
Lead archaeologist Ivan Sprajc highlights the core area of Ocomtun, situated on elevated land surrounded by expansive wetlands. The structures within this area reach heights of up to 15 meters, including several awe-inspiring pyramid-like edifices. The presence of a ball court suggests that pre-Hispanic ball games were prevalent, serving a significant religious purpose. The objective was to pass a rubber ball symbolizing the sun through a stone hoop, all without using hands.
Further exploration led the team to central altars near the La Riguena river, potentially designated for community rituals. This revelation necessitates additional research to unravel the mysteries of the ancient cultures that once thrived within Ocomtun’s vicinity. Analysis of materials extracted from the buildings suggests that the site experienced a decline between 800 and 1000 AD, indicating significant ideological and population shifts that eventually led to the collapse of Maya societies in the region during the 10th century.