Discover the ancient cosmic map at the Mayan site of Aguada Fénix.

The Aguada Fénix site in Mexico reveals a cosmic map of the early Mayan civilization, showing a profound understanding of the universe.

Further excavations will broaden our understanding of the disparities in commodity accumulation or influence within Mayan society. (Source: Global Look Press)

According to research published in the journal Science Advances , the 3,000-year-old Aguada Fénix site has been identified as a cosmic map, demonstrating the Maya's understanding of the universe.

In 2020, archaeologists discovered a giant cross-shaped pit beneath the dense jungle. This is just one of many cross-shaped pits connected by canals. The total volume of these pits exceeds 3.8 million cubic meters, more than 1.5 times the size of the Giza pyramids, equivalent to more than 1,500 Olympic swimming pools.

Researchers from the University of Arizona used laser technology to detect the Aguada Fénix site from the air. The pigments found in the pits correspond to the four cardinal directions: blue azurite for North, yellow loess for South, green malachite for East, and pearly shell for West.

Dr. James A. Doyle shared: “The crosses and color-coded symbols in architecture embody concepts about how the Earth's plane is organized, governed by cardinal directions.”

Research suggests that this structure was built by a non-hierarchical community, with no evidence of a central ruling class. Given the scale of the buildings, at least 1,000 people would have needed to excavate the bedrock to construct this cosmic map.

Archaeologists believe that these people were not forced into it, but were part of an egalitarian culture that created space for many to participate in astronomical observation and share knowledge about the calendar.

Besides the pigments, many jade sculptures reflect natural experiences, primarily depicting animals.

Dr. Doyle suggests that continued excavation will broaden our understanding of the disparities in commodity accumulation or influence within Mayan society.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/kham-pha-ban-do-vu-tru-co-dai-tai-di-chi-maya-aguada-fenix-335194.html