Ancient Maya City 'Valeriana' Discovered in Mexican Jungle Using Lidar Technology by Tulane Research Team

In the depths of a lush Mexican jungle, a remarkable discovery has emerged - a sprawling Maya city boasting palaces and pyramids. This groundbreaking revelation was made by Luke Auld-Thomas, a doctoral student at Tulane University, who inadvertently passed the site during a visit to Mexico a decade ago. The discovery, aided by cutting-edge technology, sheds light on previously unexplored ancient settlements, challenging long-held perceptions about the region's population and urbanization.

The Serendipitous Encounter

Luke Auld-Thomas, at the time journeying between the archaeological site of Xpujil and coastal destinations, unknowingly drove past the hidden structures nestled deep within the landscape. It wasn't until years later that he had the foresight to utilize Lidar, a remote sensing technology that employs lasers to measure distances on the Earth's surface, to conduct a thorough investigation of the area.

Auld-Thomas's innovative approach involved leveraging pre-existing surveys to ascertain the presence of Maya civilizations in the region, rather than relying solely on visible evidence. Collaborating with scientists in various fields, including ecology, forestry, and civil engineering, Auld-Thomas embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets concealed within the jungle.

The Breakthrough

In 2018, Auld-Thomas, now an instructor at Northern Arizona University, stumbled upon data collected in 2013 as part of a project led by Mexico's Nature Conservancy. The initiative aimed to monitor carbon levels in Mexico's forests, and the publicly available dataset provided a veritable goldmine for Auld-Thomas and his research team. Upon analyzing the data, they were met with a staggering revelation - evidence of over 6,600 Maya structures, including a previously unknown large city adorned with iconic stone pyramids.

Shattering Preconceptions

The discovery challenged the prevailing notion that the Maya lowlands region was less populous and urbanized than previously believed. It not only validated previous research but also put to rest lingering doubts among scholars regarding the area's significance during the Maya civilization's heyday. Auld-Thomas remarked, "The number of buildings present in the entire dataset is high enough to speak of genuinely high regional scale population entities," highlighting the unprecedented scale of the findings.

The City of Valeriana

The researchers meticulously documented their findings in the journal Antiquity, attributing the ancient city the name "Valeriana," after a nearby freshwater lagoon. The collaborative effort involved partnerships with Mexico's Cultural Heritage Institute, local archaeologists, and the National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping at the University of Houston. This collaborative approach not only facilitated remote research but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in unearthing historical treasures.

Adriana Velázquez Morlet, director of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History Campeche Center, emphasized the significance of the discovery, likening the density of the ancient city's structures to renowned Mayan sites such as Calakmul, Oxpemul, and Becán. The research team's dedication extended beyond mere documentation; they actively engaged with local populations to ensure the preservation and conservation of the newly identified site.

A Glimpse into the Past

The sheer scale of the ancient city of Valeriana is a testament to the architectural and urban planning prowess of the Maya civilization. Auld-Thomas and his team analyzed an impressive 50 square miles, revealing a complex urban landscape that included palaces, temple pyramids, public plazas, a ball court, a reservoir, and family homes. The site, believed to have been constructed before 150 AD, offers a fascinating glimpse into the socio-political and cultural dynamics of the Maya civilization during its formative period.

Significance and Implications

The discovery of the ancient city of Valeriana not only enriches our understanding of Maya urbanism but also underscores the vast potential for archaeological exploration in unexplored regions. Auld-Thomas aptly noted, "That really puts an exclamation point behind the statement that, no, we have not found everything, and yes, there's a lot more to be discovered." This sentiment echoes the importance of continued investment in archaeological research and the exploration of uncharted territories.

Furthermore, the research underscores the immense value of open data in advancing scientific inquiry. Auld-Thomas highlighted the potential for collaboration between archeologists and environmental scientists, advocating for the sharing of data across disciplines to unlock new avenues of discovery. This call for collaboration serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of various fields of research and the potential for interdisciplinary approaches to yield groundbreaking insights.

The Maya civilization, once considered the most advanced civilization in the Americas, thrived during the Classic period, spanning from approximately 250 AD to 900 AD. During this time, the Maya made significant advancements in various domains, including astronomy, hieroglyphic writing, and calendar systems. The region was home to an estimated 7 to 11 million people at its peak, as per a 2018 study published in the journal Science.