Nearly 3,000-year-old Maya population discovered in Guatemala

A nearly 3,000-year-old Mayan complex has just been discovered in Guatemala, including pyramids, temples and a unique water canal system, revealing many historical mysteries.

Archaeological remains of the Mayan civilization were discovered in northern Guatemala. (Source: Guatemalan Ministry of Culture and Sports )

The Guatemalan Ministry of Culture and Sports has just announced the discovery of a nearly 3,000-year-old archaeological complex belonging to the Maya civilization at three sites: Los Abuelos, Petnal and Cambrayal, located near the Uaxactún site in the northern Petén region of the country.

The discovery is the result of collaboration between Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists and international experts within the framework of the Uaxactún Regional Archaeological Project (PARU), with the support of Comenius University (Bratislava, Slovakia).

The Maya civilization arose around 2,000 BC and reached its peak between 400 and 900 AD, primarily in what is now Mexico and Guatemala. During its heyday, the Maya built temples, pyramids, and road systems, and developed sophisticated writing, mathematics, and astronomy.

At Los Abuelos, archaeologists found two stone humanoid statues believed to be an ancestral couple, along with several sacred shrines. According to Guatemala’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Luis Rodrigo Carrillo, this is one of the most important ceremonial centers in the region, helping to reshape our understanding of Maya history.

Two human sculptures at the newly discovered archaeological complex. (Source: Guatemalan Ministry of Culture and Sports)

East of Los Abuelos is Petnal, home to a 33-meter-high pyramid topped by two well-preserved chambers decorated with iconic frescoes. Meanwhile, Cambrayal, about 3 miles from Los Abuelos, is notable for its unique water channel system housed inside a palace.

“These three locations form a previously unknown urban triangle,” emphasized a representative of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Despite the rarity, new Mayan discoveries continue to be made using modern technology. In April, archaeologists discovered a mysterious 1,700-year-old altar containing human remains at the ancient city of Tikal, located about 14 miles south of Uaxactún.

The new discovery once again affirms the stature and complexity of the Maya civilization - a culture that once flourished with systems of architecture, writing, mathematics and astronomy.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/phat-hien-quan-the-maya-gan-3000-nam-tuoi-tai-guatemala-316011.html