Archaeologists exploring the jungle in Mexico have discovered the remains of a previously unknown ancient Mayan city. It has been reported New York Post.
During excavations in the Yucatan Peninsula, scientists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History discovered large pyramid-like buildings, stone pillars, three squares with “impressive buildings” and other structures. Archaeologists named the city they found Oktun, which means “stone pillar” in Yucatec Maya.
“The site probably served as an important regional center during the classical period (250-1000 AD),” team leader Ivan Praitz said in a statement.
Altars were found in the city that may have been designed for social rituals, as scholars suggest. Additionally, scientists discovered a ballpark common throughout the Mayan civilization – players passed a rubber ball representing the sun around the field without the help of their hands, so the ball flew through a small stone circle.
“The biggest surprise was that the facility was located on a “peninsula” on a hill surrounded by endless swamps. “The monumental core covers more than 50 hectares and includes several large buildings, including several pyramidal structures over 15 meters high,” he said.
The INAH project “Expanding the Archaeological Panorama of the Central Maya Plains” targeted this remote area in March 2023 after discovering many pre-Hispanic structures through aerial laser scanning and mapping.
Previously reportedTurk accidentally discovered an underground city under his house.