Ancient Mayan city found in Yucatan jungle (4 photos)

Researchers at the National Institute of Anthropology and history of Mexico discovered a 1000-year-old Mayan city in the territory Balamku Nature Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula. By using LiDAR technology in the wilds of the jungle were found the ruins of 15-meter pyramids, steps, platforms and columns. The scientists called their find Okomtun, which means "stone pillar" in the Yucatec Maya language.

Thousands of Mayan buildings have been found in the rainforest Central America, and the latest find is the ancient city of Okomtun





The result of terrain scanning using LiDAR



The city belongs to the classical Mayan period, which lasted from about 250 to 1000 AD It was a time of flourishing culture, growth cities. Approximately 1000 AD. civilization has fallen many settlements were abandoned.

The layout of Okomtun gives an idea of how its inhabitants lived. Pyramids were used for ceremonial purposes, and ball courts indicate that this game took central to everyday life.





The squares were probably also places of social gatherings. Temples along the nearby river La Rigueña held religious rituals.



On closer examination, you can see the inscriptions on stone. The Maya used a hieroglyphic writing system. Main signs served as elements, of which about 800 are known.