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Laser Mapping Revolutionizes Archaeology as a Historic Discovery of Valeriana, the Vast Maya City That Was Just Unearthed in Mexico 

Archaeologists have unearthed a long-lost Maya city, hidden for centuries beneath the dense jungles of Campeche, Mexico.  

Dubbed Valeriana, this ancient metropolis rivals some of the largest pre-Columbian sites in size and significance. Spanning over 6 square miles, Valeriana is thought to have housed an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people during its peak between 750 and 850 AD, showcasing the grand scale and sophistication of Maya civilization. 

The Discovery of Valeriana

The discovery was made possible through Lidar, a laser mapping technology that penetrates thick vegetation to create detailed maps of what lies beneath. The initial breakthrough came unexpectedly when a student stumbled upon a laser study buried deep in an online search. “I was on something like the 16th page of a Google search and stumbled upon a laser study by a Mexican organization for environmental monitoring,” said Luke Auld-Thomas, the study’s lead author, as reported by BBC. This serendipitous find revealed not only Valeriana but two other previously unknown sites, featuring pyramids, athletic fields, and a network of roads connecting districts and amphitheaters. It is of note that no official images have been released yet.

Researchers identified an astonishing 6,674 previously unrecorded Maya structures. Some parts of the city even connect to collapsed cave systems, suggesting a sprawling underground network. Valeriana, they believe, ranks second only to Calakmul — the largest Maya site — in terms of building density. With its pyramidal temples, large plazas, and ancient ball courts, the city reveals an impressive level of architectural achievement and urban planning. 

Credit: Antiquity
Credit: Antiquity

The Maya City Was Hidden Within Sight

Remarkably, the site lies just a 15-minute walk from a main highway near Xpujil, within an area where descendants of the Maya continue to live. Local communities have actively farmed the region surrounding the ruins for years, yet the dense jungle kept Valeriana hidden from view, concealing it just steps from modern life. 

With new technology arising, things are definitely going to change in the world of archaeology. Let’s see what else is uncovered in Latin America.  

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