In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have unveiled a hidden Maya city along with more than 6,600 structures concealed under the dense forests of Campeche, Mexico. This previously unknown site, called Valeriana, has come to light through advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which uses laser pulses to create 3D maps of landscapes obscured by thick vegetation.

Cutting-Edge Technology Reveals Ancient City

The archaeological team, led by Dr. Luke Auld-Thomas from Northern Arizona University, worked with experts from Tulane University, the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, and the University of Houston. They mapped an extensive 50-square-mile area in the Yucatán Peninsula, discovering what is believed to be a Maya city dating back to the Classic Period (CE 250–900). Although LiDAR is known for its expense, the team managed to repurpose data from a 2013 survey originally carried out to monitor carbon levels in Mexico’s forests. Dr. Auld-Thomas noted that “scientists in ecology, forestry, and civil engineering have been using LiDAR surveys for totally separate purposes,” and this project capitalised on that existing data.

*Photo Credit: Auld-Thomas et al. Antiquity (2024)*

The Discovery of Valeriana

What LiDAR revealed was beyond the team’s expectations. The technology uncovered a bustling Maya centre complete with temple pyramids, ball courts, and interconnected plazas – all hallmark features of a political capital during the Classic Maya period. Surprisingly, Valeriana is located close to contemporary farms and a regional highway, illustrating how easily this ancient city could have remained undiscovered beneath layers of forest. The layout of Valeriana includes a broad causeway connecting its key structures, as well as numerous domestic and agricultural sites that reflect a complex urban landscape.

A City Rich in Diversity and Architectural Complexity

Dr. Auld-Thomas described the density and variety of Valeriana’s architecture, from monumental pyramids to terraces, dwellings, and extensive agricultural systems. “The government never knew about it; the scientific community never knew about it,” he explained, underscoring the sheer amount still to be uncovered about Maya civilisation. This discovery reaffirms that despite decades of exploration, we are far from fully understanding the scope of Maya settlements.

Ritualistic and Environmental Engineering Features

One of the city’s significant features is an “E-Group,” a structure type thought to be used by the Maya for ritualistic and astronomical purposes. The city also boasts engineered dams, reservoirs, and landscape modifications, showcasing the Maya’s impressive environmental adaptability. Campeche’s seasonal wetlands and rugged landscape would have required thoughtful planning and infrastructure, which the Maya provided through water management and agricultural techniques well-suited to the area’s unique challenges.

Rethinking Maya Urban Planning

The unearthing of Valeriana is prompting researchers to reassess ideas about the density and organisation of Maya cities. The variation in Maya urban layouts, from densely packed city centres to sprawling agricultural regions, hints at a sustainable approach to settlement planning that resonates even today. With insights into both social organisation and environmental adaptation, Maya planning models may offer valuable lessons for contemporary urban development.

The Road Ahead

The research team is planning field expeditions to Valeriana and surrounding sites, aiming to deepen our understanding of Maya daily life, architectural techniques, and cultural structures. Each new detail uncovered will add layers to our knowledge of Maya society, reinforcing that their ingenuity continues to inspire and inform modern perspectives on sustainable urban living.

This discovery in Campeche is a striking reminder that history often lies hidden beneath our feet, waiting for technology and curiosity to bring it back into the light.

Lasers Reveal Hidden Maya City in Mexico’s Forests!