Hidden in plain sight: scientists have found 500 unknown Mayan temples

Researchers have discovered 478 ceremonial objects hidden in plain sight in what is now southern Mexico.

Mayan complexes.They cannot be seen by the human eye, but can be detected using lidar scanning technology. Scientists have studied their structure and design in detail. It turned out that the Mayans adopted some decorative elements from another ancient civilization -   Olmecs, who lived more than 3,000 years ago.

According to the study's authors, hundreds of ceremonial complexes are a combination of Mayan and ancient Olmec sites.

Comparison of the rectangular hallmark of San Lorenzo (top left) and MFU in other structures (with Aguada Fénix top right

Originating around 2600 BC , the Mayan civilization flourished in Central America for nearly 3,000 years, reaching its peak between 250 and 900 AD.
The Olmecs were another Mesoamerican civilization that inhabited this land earlier, from about 2500 to 400 BC.

It is interesting that, despite the difference betweenThe time of construction of Mayan and Olmec structures, they have similar details in construction and design. The ceremonial complexes of both civilizations were built with an emphasis on rectangular squares surrounded by platforms at the edges.

Let us remind you that last year the groupInternational researchers led by the University of Arizona reported last year the discovery of one of the largest and oldest Mayan sites. This place, called Aguada Fénix (Aguada—Phoenix), has a length of 1400 m and a height of up to 15 m. The construction date varies between 800 and 1000 BC.

Now these same experts have announced that they have discovered smaller ceremonial complexes (a total of 478 structures) that are similar in shape and characteristics to the Aguada Phoenix.

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