Lost Maya Metropolis Uncovered in Mexico's Jungle Canopy
Discovery of Valeriana Reveals a Hidden Civilization
Hidden beneath the dense jungle canopy of Campeche in southeastern Mexico, archaeologists have unearthed a vast, ancient Maya city named Valeriana. Thought to have been a bustling hub between 750 and 850 AD, Valeriana reveals a complex urban landscape brimming with temples, sports arenas, causeways linking different districts, and extensive plazas.
A Chance Discovery through Lidar Technology
The discovery came about unexpectedly when Luke Auld-Thomas, a PhD candidate at Tulane University, stumbled across a Lidar survey—a laser mapping technique typically used for environmental monitoring—by a Mexican organization. This survey used aerial laser pulses to penetrate the jungle vegetation, revealing the massive scale of the structures hidden beneath. After processing the data using archaeological methods, Auld-Thomas and his team identified what appeared to be an ancient metropolis, second in architectural density only to Calakmul, the Maya region’s largest known city.
An Urban Center Hidden in Plain Sight
Covering about 16.6 square kilometers, Valeriana is just a short walk from a major roadway near the town of Xpujil. Yet, despite its proximity, the city remained undetected for centuries, as the jungle growth camouflaged its structures. In total, the team found an astounding 6,764 buildings within the study area, featuring two prominent urban centers, each with plazas and pyramidal temples. The two centers, situated approximately 2 kilometers apart, were interconnected by extensive networks of residential buildings and ceremonial causeways.
Ancient Maya Engineering and Cultural Heritage
Among the treasures hidden within Valeriana are remnants of an ancient ball court and large reservoirs, which likely provided water to sustain the city's population. Researchers estimate that at its height, Valeriana may have supported 30,000 to 50,000 people, more than live in the region today. The city's design and architectural sophistication reveal the ingenuity of Maya urban planning, as well as their skillful adaptation to the tropical landscape.
Shifting Perspectives on Tropical Civilizations
This significant find not only highlights the density and complexity of Maya civilization but also challenges longstanding Western beliefs that tropical regions could not support advanced societies. According to Professor Marcello Canuto, co-author of the study, Valeriana’s discovery shifts the perception of the tropics, illustrating that they once nurtured rich, vibrant civilizations with complex infrastructure and cultural traditions.
The Mystery of Valeriana's Abandonment
Although the reasons for Valeriana’s abandonment remain uncertain, climate change is believed to have been a key factor. The hidden city stands as a reminder of both the resilience and vulnerability of ancient societies in the face of environmental shifts.