What began as a routine search on the internet led to one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent history. Luke Auld-Thomas, a PhD student from Tulane University, stumbled upon a 3,000-year-old Mayan city hidden beneath the dense jungle of Campeche, Mexico. His accidental discovery was made possible by Lidar technology, a remote sensing method that uses lasers to detect structures beneath vegetation.
Unearthing Valeriana
The city, now called Valeriana, had remained hidden for centuries. The Lidar scans revealed over 6,700 structures, including pyramids, plazas, and sports courts, within a sprawling area of 16.6 square kilometers. At its peak, Valeriana was home to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people, making it one of the largest and most densely populated Mayan cities, second only to Calakmul.
Advanced Technology Unlocks the Past
Lidar has revolutionized archaeological surveys, allowing researchers to map areas that would take years to explore manually. “Lidar has enabled us to uncover entire civilizations hidden beneath the canopy,” said Professor Marcello Canuto, a co-author of the research. This technology has provided unprecedented insights into the complexity of Mayan urban planning.
A City Built for the Ages
Valeriana was more than a collection of buildings; it was a sophisticated urban hub. The city featured two major centers connected by dense housing and intricate causeways. Reservoirs, ball courts, and temple pyramids hint at a highly organized society capable of supporting a large population and conducting significant religious and social activities.
Climate Change
The decline of Valeriana, like many Mayan cities, may have been influenced by climate change. Researchers suggest that overpopulation and prolonged droughts created unsustainable living conditions. “The dense population left little room for flexibility during environmental stress,” Auld-Thomas explained.
The Role of Colonial Conquest
While environmental factors played a role, the Spanish conquest of the 16th century marked the final chapter for many Mayan city-states. Warfare and disease decimated the indigenous populations, leading to the abandonment of cities like Valeriana.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Remarkably, Valeriana was located just 15 minutes from a major road. Local farmers had unknowingly been cultivating land among the ruins for years. Despite its proximity to modern civilization, the city’s full extent was only revealed through Lidar scans.
The Broader Implications of the Discovery
This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the Mayan civilization. It underscores the advanced nature of their urban planning and the vast scope of their empire. “Valeriana proves that Mayan cities were not isolated villages but bustling urban centers interconnected by complex trade and social networks,” said Professor Canuto.
Future Explorations Await
The discovery of Valeriana is just the beginning. With Lidar technology, countless other cities may still be waiting to be uncovered. “We’ve only scratched the surface,” Auld-Thomas noted. “This discovery is a reminder of how much history remains hidden beneath the jungle canopy”.