Archaeologists exploring the jungle in Mexico have uncovered the remains of a previously unknown ancient Maya city. Reports originated with the New York Post.
During fieldwork in the Yucatan Peninsula, researchers from the National Institute of Anthropology and History identified expansive pyramid-like complexes, stone pillars, three large squares containing remarkable structures, and other features. The site was named Oktun, a Yucatec Maya word meaning stone pillar, reflecting its monumental architectural character.
According to the project team leader, the settlement likely acted as a significant regional hub during the classical era, which spanned roughly from 250 to 1000 CE.
Altars recovered from the site appear to be linked with social and ceremonial activities, suggesting ritual gatherings as a key aspect of Oktun’s function. In addition, archaeologists found a ballcourt type that recurs across Maya sites: players used a rubber ball to represent the sun and did not rely on their hands to move the ball through a stone ring, indicating a ritualized ball game central to the culture. [citation: INAH]
One of the most striking discoveries is that the core of Oktun sits on a peninsula on elevated terrain, ringed by expansive swamps. The monumental center covers more than fifty hectares and features multiple large buildings, including several pyramidal structures surpassing fifteen meters in height. These discoveries illuminate the city’s scale and the sophisticated engineering behind it. [citation: INAH]
The INAH project, named Expanding the Archaeological Panorama of the Central Maya Plains, initiated field operations in March 2023 to explore a remote portion of the region after aerial laser scanning and systematic mapping revealed numerous pre-Hispanic structures. The ongoing work aims to broaden the understanding of Maya urbanism and interaction networks in the central Maya lowlands. [citation: INAH]
Earlier reports noted a separate, unrelated anecdote about Turk inadvertently uncovering an underground complex beneath his residence, illustrating how concealed ancient remains can surface in unexpected places. [citation: INAH]