An ancient ‘Maya’ city has been discovered in southern Mexico. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (National Institute of Anthropology and History-INAH) here informed about this on 20 June. He told that this thousand years old city used to be an important center of the world in its time. According to him, it used to be a part of the Maya civilization of America.
Major Findings Related to Ancient Maya City
- The National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico led the expedition to Ocomtún.
- The research team used airborne laser scanning to identify pre-Hispanic structures throughout the region.
- Named Ocomtun, meaning “stone column” in the Yucatec Maya language, this newly discovered city is believed to have been a prominent centre in the central lowland region of the Yucatan Peninsula between 250 and 1000 AD.
- It also provides invaluable insights into the advanced societal and religious practices of the Maya civilization, known for its sophisticated mathematical calendars.
Major Findings
- Elevated Terrain: One of the most surprising findings was an elevated terrain surrounded by wetlands, suggesting a unique and strategic settlement pattern.
- Pottery: Pottery fragments found at the site indicate that Ocomtún was inhabited during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.)
- Central Altars: It was discovered near the La Riguena river, possibly used for community rituals.Central altars suggest the presence of community rituals, highlighting the spiritual and communal aspects of Maya life.
- Pre-Hispanic Ball Games: It was played throughout the Maya region, representing a religious practice.The game involved passing a rubber ball, symbolising the sun, through a stone hoop without using hands.
- Decline of the City: The site likely underwent significant changes between 800 and 1000 AD.This period coincided with the decline and collapse of the Lowland Maya civilization, which was marked by a decline in population, urban centres, and political instability.The fall of Ocomtún and other Maya cities was part of a larger regional collapse, signifying a transformative period in Maya history.
Maya Civilization
- The Maya are an indigenous people of Mexico and Central America. Originating in the Yucatán, they rose to prominence around A.D. 250 in present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, northern Belize and western Honduras.
- The rise of the Maya began about 250 CE, and what is known to archaeologists as the Classic Period of Mayan culture lasted until about 900 CE.
- The Maya civilization was one of the most advanced and influential cultures.
- They developed complex systems of writing, astronomy, mathematics, art, architecture, and religion.
- They also built impressive cities with pyramids, palaces, temples, and plazas. However, many aspects of their history and culture remain mysterious and unknown.