New Orleans Scientists Discover Ancient Mayan City Lost in Thick Jungles – Until Now!
New Orleans scientists have discovered an ancient Mayan city through laser tech, unveiling thousands of structures and mysteries from centuries past. đ #News #NewOrleansLA #Louisiana #AncientHistory
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Scientists in Louisiana have discovered a forgotten Mayan city! The lost city emerged from the thick jungles of southern Mexico, thanks to cutting-edge laser technology that can see through dense vegetation. Researchers from Tulane University used LiDAR, a laser-sensing tool, to reveal traces of what could be a major, long-hidden settlement.
The discovery, named Valeriana after a nearby lagoon, points to a city potentially as populated as the famous ancient city of Calakmul, located further south in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Using Light to Reveal Lost Cities
LiDAR technology, used in this study, enables scientists to uncover landscapes hidden by thick jungle canopies by sending out thousands of laser pulses from the air.
These pulses bounce off surfaces, capturing topographical changes that arenât visible to the naked eye. With LiDAR, the team uncovered nearly 6,500 structures over a span of 47 square miles, presenting a glimpse of what appears to have been an extensive and organized urban area.
Valerianaâs Unexpected Scale and Density
This discovery challenges the previous view that large stretches of jungle between known Mayan sites were largely uninhabited. Instead, the evidence suggests this area was populated and might have had a bustling community.
The ancient structures appear to include temple platforms, residential terraces, ceremonial ball courts, and what may even be a dam, indicating a society with both social organization and technical skill.
Rediscovering Through Old Data
The project originated when Tulane researchers reviewed a 2013 LiDAR survey initially conducted to monitor deforestation. A Tulane graduate student observed intriguing formations in the data, sparking further investigation that led to this discovery. With enhanced software and a fresh perspective, the researchers uncovered details that traditional archaeology might have missed.
Connecting the Past Through New Insights
This ancient settlement, potentially dating back as far as 150 A.D. and thriving until around 900 A.D., offers a new glimpse into Mayan civilization.
As researchers study this and similar sites, they gain a deeper understanding of how the Maya lived, governed, and traded. By comparing the newly discovered settlement’s structures with existing historical knowledge, scientists are piecing together a richer story of Mayan life, culture, and regional influence.
Expert Analysis and Ground Confirmation
Although the LiDAR data gives an unprecedented view, archaeologists emphasize the need for on-the-ground verification. Some features, like natural rock formations, may resemble man-made structures and need to be carefully examined to confirm their origins.
LiDAR shows what is on the surface now, but further fieldwork will reveal the full historical significance of these features, providing clues to how this city evolved and functioned over time.
More Lost Cities Waiting To Be Found?
With LiDAR technology advancing, our understanding of ancient civilizations is taking bold steps forward. Discoveries like Valeriana are changing the way historians view these societies, showing that history is always ready to surprise us.
As scientists delve deeper, the hidden stories of civilizations like the Maya will continue to unfold, providing more questionsâand perhaps a few more lost cities waiting to be found.
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