Scientists have figured out why Mayan structures are so strong (5 photos)
Researchers from the University of Granada (Spain) uncovered the secret of lime plaster of extraordinary strength, which used in the construction of their monumental buildings by the ancient Maya. It's all about the special ingredient. 
The ancient Maya had their own building techniques and recipes for the manufacture of lime mortars and plasters, which had incredible strength.
Since these recipes have not survived to this day, scientists decided look deep into the preserved materials using modern methods analysis. 
The researchers used a transmission electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy and x-ray diffraction high resolution on plaster samples from the ruins of the archaeological Copan monument (Honduras). They saw in the crystal structure inclusions of organic particles of various sizes. 
It turned out that the plaster contains organic matter, or rather - tree bark extract. This was confirmed by local masons, descendants of the Maya, who miraculously reached ancient knowledge. Mayan used extracts of the bark of trees common in this region: Havardia albicans and Bursera simaruba. Herbal ingredient helped the ancient Maya built amazingly strong and durable buildings. 
Scientists decided to prepare plaster according to an ancient recipe and it turned out almost the same as the original mixture, with corresponding crystal structure and similar qualities - strength, plasticity, resistance to high humidity. The experiment was a success!
Perhaps this discovery will be useful for the improvement of modern building mixtures. 
“Our study helps explain the improvement characteristics of lime mortars and plasters with natural organic additives. Such mixtures were made not only by the Maya, but also other ancient civilizations,” write the authors of an article published in journal Science Advances.
