Recent archaeological discoveries in northern Guatemala have unearthed a nearly 3,000-year-old Mayan city, revealing new insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage and challenging our understanding of ancient ritual practices.
The discovery of a nearly 3,000-year-old Mayan city in northern Guatemala has shed new light on the region’s rich cultural heritage. Located approximately 21km from the renowned archaeological site of Uaxactun, the city is believed to have been an important ceremonial center during the Middle Preclassic period (800-500BC).
The Mayan city was a sophisticated urban center, home to over 1 million people.
Located in modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, these cities were built between 2000 BCE and 1500 CE.
The architecture featured intricate stone carvings, pyramids, and temples, with some structures reaching heights of over 70 meters.
Mayan cities were known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
Trade and commerce flourished in these cities, with goods exchanged across vast distances.
The Significance of Los Abuelos
The name ‘Los Abuelos,’ which translates to ‘The Grandparents‘ in Spanish, refers to two human-like sculptures found at the site. These figures, dated between 500 and 300BC, are thought to be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship. The city’s layout suggests that it was a significant ceremonial site, with pyramids and monuments that demonstrate remarkable architectural planning.
Excavation and Discoveries
Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists uncovered the remains of Los Abuelos in previously unexplored areas of the Uaxactun park. Their findings include:
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A pyramid standing 33 meters high, adorned with murals from the Preclassic period
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A unique canal system that provides insight into the city’s ancient infrastructure
- The two human-like sculptures, which serve as a reminder of the site’s connection to ancestor worship
New Insights into Mayan Culture
The discovery of Los Abuelos and its surrounding sites has allowed researchers to rethink our understanding of the ceremonial and socio-political organization of pre-Hispanic Petén. The set of these three sites forms a previously unknown urban triangle, which sheds new light on the cultural exchange and cooperation between ancient civilizations.
The Mayan civilization flourished in Mesoamerica from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE.
They developed a sophisticated writing system, calendar, and mathematics.
The Mayans were skilled astronomers, observing the movements of celestial bodies and predicting solar eclipses.
Their cities featured advanced architecture, including pyramids, temples, and palaces.
The Mayan culture was known for its rich mythology, art, and trade networks that stretched across Central America.
Context and Significance
The discovery of Los Abuelos is part of a broader effort to uncover the secrets of the Mayan civilization. Recent finds, such as the 1,000-year-old altar from Mexico‘s ancient Teotihuacán culture at Tikal, have highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation between ancient civilizations. The excavation of Los Abuelos offers a unique opportunity for researchers to explore the history and significance of this enigmatic region.
The discovery of ‘Los Abuelos‘ is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mayan civilization, which continues to captivate our imagination with its rich cultural heritage and mysterious traditions.
The Mayan civilization thrived in Mesoamerica from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE.
They developed a sophisticated writing system, calendar, and architectural style.
Their cities, such as Tikal and Palenque, featured grand temples and pyramids.
The Mayans made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
However, their civilization declined due to a combination of factors, including overpopulation, drought, and warfare with neighboring tribes.
- theguardian.com | Remains of Mayan city nearly 3,000 years old unearthed in Guatemala
