A LiDAR survey over the dense jungles of Northern Belize has uncovered a massive complex of terraced gardens and specialized laboratory buildings belonging to the Maya civilization. The site, dated to the late Pre-Classic period, shows evidence of intentional plant hybridization and the large-scale production of medicinal sap.
Researchers identified over 40 distinct varieties of medicinal plants in the soil samples, suggesting the Maya operated a state-sponsored botanical research system. This discovery refutes the idea of simple slash-and-burn agriculture and instead points to a highly scientific approach to environmental management and pharmacology.