Scientists explain why much more Mayan ruins have been found in 10 years than in the last 150
Mayan ruins have been repeatedly discovered in Mexico and Central America. For centuries, impenetrable dense forests hid the secrets of the ancient civilization in their jungle.
However, over the past 10 years, space satellites have helped scientists find more ancient Mayan ruins than ever before. All thanks to pulsed laser technique, Space.com writes.
An Earth observation satellite captured this image of Mayan monuments in Guatemala.
Source: Image by Jesse Allen of the Earth Observatory
"Archeologists have mapped more Mayan sites, buildings and features in the past 10 years than we had in the past — preceding — 150 years," said Brett Houk, a professor of archaeology at Texas Tech University.
Archaeologists are finding these ruins faster thanks to better satellite technology. By using a pulsed laser technique called lidar, or light detection and ranging, satellites can see through the dense cover surrounding Mayan sites, Hauk explained.
Mayan buildings are often hidden in impenetrable forests.
Source: Getty
According to historical data, the Maya are indigenous peoples who inhabited the lands of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Belize. Until the 16th century, when the Spanish invaded the area, the Maya were the dominant regional group. They created large pyramids and stone structures, practiced agriculture, and had a written language.
Mayan monuments, such as the famous Chichen Itza in Mexico, are recognized by UNESCO and the UN as World Heritage Sites. However, scientists emphasize that there are many other unexcavated structures of the famous civilization.
The Pyramid of Kukulkan, also known as the castle of El Castillo and Chichen Itza.
Source: Getty
Satellites are helping scientists discover more ruins in northeastern Belize. Brett hinted at "new lidar missions" led by Amy Thompson of the University of Texas. However, the names of these projects have not yet been disclosed.
The scientists say that their research covers a region that is about 10 times the size of Manhattan - 650 square kilometers. And this territory is rich in ruins.
The team of experts found 28 sites "in just a couple of days in the lab, staring at the data," says Houk, and plans to continue excavations at some sites.
Located among dense trees, Palenque contains some of the finest Mayan sculptures, architecture, roof crests, and bas-reliefs with Mayan carvings.
Source: Getty
The professor of archaeology also said that one of the areas of research, which will focus on the study of canals and water management in the region, is scheduled for next summer.
According to the researchers, Mayan society has changed as a result of climate change. Scientists hope that studying the technology of ancient peoples can help transfer their "lessons learned" to today's climate problems. For example, ancient terraces for growing corn and reservoirs for transporting and storing water in drought conditions are already known.
"People and communities adapted to changing environmental conditions and rainfall, designing what appears to be a resilient mosaic of land use," said Tim Murtha of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
The scientists emphasize that artificial intelligence could play a role in identifying ancient ruins on satellite images, but training and access to the appropriate algorithms is still delaying this process.
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