A sensational discovery by a team of Slovenian archaeologists: they have found a lost Mayan city, 2,500 years old!

A Slovenian archaeological team has made a groundbreaking discovery in Mexico’s Campeche state, uncovering a long-lost Mayan city known as El Yesal, dating back approximately 2,500 years. The site, located within the Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve, represents one of the largest urban centers of the ancient Maya civilization. Led by Dr. Ivan Šprajc, the team used advanced LiDAR technology to detect the remnants of the city hidden beneath dense jungle vegetation. This method allowed researchers to identify architectural features and landscape modifications invisible to the naked eye. The newly discovered city, El Yesal, spans over one square kilometer and includes massive structures built around 2,500 years ago. Among its most striking features is a large rectangular acropolis situated on the southern edge of the city's central area. This elevated platform rises 15 meters above the surrounding terrain and houses four pyramids, with the tallest reaching an additional 27 meters above the base. The acropolis shares architectural similarities with other major Mayan sites such as Edzná, suggesting a shared cultural and structural heritage. Initial findings indicate that parts of the city were constructed during the Preclassic period, roughly between 600 BCE and 250 BCE. Some of the recovered ceramic fragments suggest that the acropolis and adjacent buildings in the southern part of the city were erected during this time. Over the following centuries, the settlement expanded northward and remained inhabited until the end of the Classic period, around 900 CE. Evidence suggests that El Yesal existed for several centuries, gradually evolving from an early ceremonial center into a sprawling urban settlement. The city appears to have been governed by an organized authority, as indicated by the presence of monumental architecture, pyramids, and royal stelae. These elements point to a structured society capable of planning and executing large-scale construction projects. One of the most significant finds was a damaged stone stela, which was digitally reconstructed using photogrammetry techniques. The reconstruction revealed an image of a ruler holding a staff and wearing elaborate headgear depicting Chaac, the Mayan god of thunder and lightning. This discovery provides new insights into the political and ritual significance of El Yesal. The reconstructed stela confirms that the city served not only as a residential area but also as a key political and ceremonial hub. Researchers believe the site played a crucial role in regional governance and religious practices, reinforcing the complexity of Mayan urban life. Further analysis of the ceramics and continued excavation will help determine the exact chronology of the city’s development. The team plans to conduct more detailed studies to understand how El Yesal functioned within the broader network of Mayan cities. The find highlights the importance of technological advancements in archaeology, particularly LiDAR, in revealing previously unknown aspects of ancient civilizations. As research continues, the story of El Yesal will likely expand, offering even deeper understanding of the Maya world.