In a significant revelation, the Mexican anthropology institute announced the discovery of an unknown ancient Maya city within the depths of the southern Mexican jungles. The find is believed to date back more than a millennium and is likely to have been a prominent hub in its heyday.
Comprising expansive pyramid-like structures, stone columns, three sprawling plazas featuring “imposing buildings,” and a network of other architectural marvels arranged in nearly concentric circles, the city, named Ocomtun, held a position of significance within the central lowland region of the Yucatan Peninsula between 250 and 1000 AD, according to the INAH institute.
Nestled within the Balamku ecological reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula, Ocomtun emerged during an exploration of a largely uncharted expanse of jungle, surpassing the size of Luxembourg. This endeavor, undertaken from March to June, was made possible through the utilization of aerial laser mapping (LiDAR) technology.
Renowned for its advanced mathematical calendars, the Maya civilization once extended across southeast Mexico and parts of Central America. Its decline, preceding the Spanish conquistadors’ arrival, was characterized by widespread political instability, ultimately leading to its collapse. The last stronghold succumbed to Spanish military campaigns in the late 17th century.
At the heart of the Ocomtun site lies a central zone elevated above the encompassing wetlands, boasting several pyramid-like structures that reach heights of up to 15 meters, as elucidated by lead archaeologist Ivan Sprajc.
Furthermore, the city featured a ball court, a common feature across the Maya region. This court hosted pre-Hispanic ball games, wherein a rubber ball symbolizing the sun was maneuvered across the court without the use of hands, aiming to pass it through a small stone hoop. This activity bore significant religious undertones.
In addition to these finds, Sprajc’s team encountered central altars situated closer to the La Riguena river. These altars are speculated to have played a role in community rituals. However, comprehending the cultures that inhabited this area necessitates further research.
The site’s decline, discerned through the analysis of extracted materials from its structures, likely occurred between 800 and 1000 AD. This downturn could be attributed to shifts in ideology and population dynamics, contributing to the decline of Maya societies in the region during the 10th century.
