Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Mayan city: the find may shed light on the decline of an ancient mysterious civilization

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

The ancient Maya civilization is one of the most advanced civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. At first glance, primitive society of the Stone Age had deep knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, had a very developed writing system. Their pyramids are superior in architecture to the Egyptian ones. A lot is known about this mysterious and majestic civilization, but scientists do not know the main thing: why did the Mayans leave their beautiful cities more than 11 centuries ago and scattered in the jungle? Maybe the latest archaeological find in Yucatan, the last outpost of this great civilization, will shed light on this question?

Mayan culture spans vast areas, including present-day Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and the Yucatan Peninsula. One and a half millennia before Columbus arrived on the shores of South America, the Maya had already built amazingly beautiful cities with perfect architecture, had the most accurate solar calendar and hieroglyphic writing. The peak of the flourishing of this civilization falls on the 6-7th century AD. An interesting fact: with all the development of science, the Maya society was not aware of the design of the wheel. The Maya are known for their exquisite jewelry, gold and copper metalwork. And despite all their great achievements, rich resources, deep knowledge and skills, the Mayan civilization died out.

Scientists and historians are not entirely sure what led to the collapse of this culture, but they believe that climate change played a major role in this tragedy. Researchers have uncovered evidence of large-scale droughts in the area and linked them chronologically to patterns of destruction in Maya society, giving them one of the most comfortable corners of the planet to live in. The climate was mild, warm and humid. Such conditions of existence made it possible to perfectly develop agriculture. It was this that became the basis of the economy of this ancient civilization. They grew a variety of vegetables, grains, and legumes. Maya animal husbandry was not developed. They did not tame pets and did not use them for food or for movement. Maya meat was obtained only by hunting game.

The southern part of the region, being the most densely populated center, suffered first, as people could not adapt to the new conditions. The northern part was accustomed to such a climate, and therefore there they coped better with the effects of drought. Despite the fact that this area suffered less, it did not save it from decline. By AD 850, the Mayans were leaving their cities en masse. At the time of the conquest of these lands by the conquistadors, only a few very isolated and few settlements remained. Unfortunately, the precious Mayan manuscripts were completely destroyed by the Spanish conquerors on the orders of the Catholic Inquisition. Scientists had to collect all the information bit by bit, based on calendar records on monuments, analyzes of ceramic household items and radiocarbon studies. According to the latest research in this area, in the 9th century a drought hit the region, which lasted not for years, but for centuries. This led to a gradual extinction. As a result, all the Mayan metropolitan areas were abandoned, the peasants who lived in the vicinity also left.

Some scientists see the reason for this ecological cataclysm in the fact that the Maya very actively intervened in natural processes. A gigantic system of irrigation canals was built, the Mayans drained swamps to turn them into arable land, and huge tracts of forests were cut down to build cities. All this together could have caused local droughts, multiplied by natural climate changes in the region, and led to a catastrophe. The hearth of the once majestic civilization went out. Priestly traditions have degenerated. All the rudiments of a civilized society that arose later were characterized by very sharp forms of power. Although there is a lot of information about the existence of the Maya, thanks mainly to the discoveries of archaeologists, there are still many gaps in the history of this culture.

The most recent find by historians is a huge ancient Mayan palace deep in the Yucatan jungle. The city was discovered just 160 kilometers west of Cancun. The palace amazes with its magnificence and size. The area of this building is over 800 square meters! The building consists of six rooms, a colonnaded corridor, and many staircases. The palace was used between the 6th and 11th centuries. In the area, archaeologists have discovered burial sites. To find out as much information as possible about the inhabitants of the ancient city, historians conduct all kinds of analyzes of the remains. According to the newspaper "Mexican News", the NIAH statement about the find suggests that the palace was used by the elite, and the period of probable use, scientists determined by the age of various relics found inside. This era encompasses the classical and late classical periods of the Maya, when civilization began its decline and many of its cities were already abandoned.

Archaeologist Alfredo Barrera Rubio noted that during this period, the city of Chichen Itza had a strong influence on small Mayan cities, including Kuluba. Scientists made such a conclusion after discovering many obsidian and ceramic objects similar to those found in Chichen Itza. This city is one of the most visited historical sites in Mexico. It was recognized as one of the seven new wonders of the world, along with the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. Archaeologists have not yet explored everything in the newly discovered city. There are two residential buildings there, they are in very poor condition. In addition, there is an altar and a circular structure, which historians consider a large furnace. Scientists are currently working to restore all buildings. One of the project coordinators for the restoration of the city, Natalia Hernandez Tangarife, said that efforts are being made to restore the forests around Kuluba. This should help protect the city from damage caused by sun and wind. NIAH wants to make Kuluba open to the public in the future, so that people can see not only the city, but one of the last pieces of the jungle in the area, with all the beauty and perfection inherent in the wild. Incas and Aztecs apart, read about it in another our article. Based on materials