Produced by: Tarun Mishra
A massive Maya city, named Valeriana, has been identified beneath a dense forest in southern Mexico. The city spans an area similar in size to Beijing, signalling its role as a likely political center of the Maya civilization over 1,500 years ago.
Archaeologists report that Valeriana contains significant features of a Classic Maya capital, including plazas connected by large causeways, pyramidal temples, and a water reservoir, showcasing the advanced urban planning typical of ancient Maya cities.
The city was identified unexpectedly when Tulane University archaeologist Luke Auld-Thomas analysed lidar data used by TNC Mexico for environmental research. The technology’s laser-based mapping, though initially intended for assessing tree canopy, helped create a topographical view of the hidden site.
Valeriana appears to be densely populated, with more than 400 structures per square kilometre at its peak—exceeded only by Calakmul, another Maya city near the Mexico-Guatemala border. This discovery reinforces assumptions about the high population density in the Maya Lowlands region.
Lidar has become an invaluable tool for archaeologists, enabling discoveries of ancient sites across various landscapes. Previously, lidar has revealed other significant sites, including ancient Silk Road cities and Amazonian urban sprawl, underscoring its role in uncovering lost civilizations.
The topographic map indicates that Valeriana was structured with residential areas featuring curved, amphitheatre-like patios. Researchers believe these structures offered spaces for both community gatherings and individual households, adding to the understanding of Maya social life.
The find suggests that the Maya Lowlands region may have been more densely settled than previously thought, with sites beyond Calakmul exhibiting urban sprawl and agricultural activity. The presence of mounds, terraces, and other structures hints at sophisticated agricultural practices.
Archaeologists plan to visit and excavate Valeriana to gain further insights. According to Thomas Garrison from the University of Texas, such fieldwork will deepen the understanding of the Maya civilization, complementing the lidar data with physical evidence from the site.