Oldest and largest Maya structure on record discovered in southern Mexico

The oldest and largest Maya monumental structure on record has just been discovered after scientists shot millions of lasers from a plane to map an area in southern Mexico.

At the newfound site, called Aguada Fénix, researchers found an artificial plateau measuring about 0.9 miles (1.4 kilometers) long, 0.2 miles (399 meters) wide and between 33 and 50 feet (10 and 15 m) high. And it likely served as a communal gathering place for the Maya.

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(Image: Takeshi Inomata)

A 3D image of the Aguada Fénix site, reconstructed from data gathered during an aerial laser survey.

Radiocarbon dating of 69 samples from Aguada Fénix show that it was used between 1000 B.C. and 800 B.C. After it was largely abandoned by 750 B.C., small groups returned to use the structure.

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With the high-tech help scientists have found that Maya civilization was more advanced and populous than previously imagined.

Amazing. That is pretty big too. I'm glad we are starting to learn more about the Maya people.

Thank you xx