Ancient Mayan City Discovered in Yucatan Rainforest

Researchers have uncovered an ancient Mayan city named Valeriana, hidden beneath the dense vegetation of Mexico’s Yucatan rainforest, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Utilizing advanced Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, the archaeological team revealed a sprawling urban area comparable in size to Edinburgh. The city, believed to have housed 30,000 to 50,000 inhabitants between 750 and 850 CE, features significant structures including agricultural fields, sports courts, an amphitheater, and pyramids.

Published in the journal Antiquity, these findings enhance our understanding of the Mayan civilization, known for its remarkable achievements in astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. While the reasons for Valeriana’s decline over a millennium ago remain uncertain, researchers suspect climate change may have played a role.