A team of archaeologists using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has identified a previously unknown urban center in the rugged High Sierra Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Dubbed 'The Obsidian Crown' due to its massive defensive walls and abundance of volcanic glass artifacts, the site dates to the Classic Period and served as a strategic military and trade stronghold.
The survey revealed over 500 distinct structures, including terraced administrative plazas, a centralized ball court, and a series of watchtowers that provided a 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys. The discovery suggests that the Mixtec and Zapotec borderlands were much more densely populated and highly fortified than previously believed. Initial surface explorations have already recovered ceremonial blades and jewelry crafted from high-quality green obsidian, indicating long-distance trade with central Mexican sources.