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Giant Maya Urban Complex Unveiled by LiDAR in Southern Campeche
discovery
March 22, 2026
Source: National Geographic
Country: 🇲🇽Mexico
history
archaeology
ruins
lost civilizations
research
politics

Giant Maya Urban Complex Unveiled by LiDAR in Southern Campeche

In a major discovery in the Mexican jungle, a LiDAR survey has revealed a massive, previously hidden Maya urban complex consisting of over 6,000 structures. The site includes monumental pyramids, residential clusters, and an extensive network of sacbeob (elevated causeways) that connected the city to neighboring agricultural hubs.

Researchers note that the sheer scale of the ruins suggests this city was a major political player during the Classic Period (250-900 CE). The discovery of sophisticated water reservoirs and terraced farming fields indicates a highly organized society capable of managing resources in a challenging tropical environment.