Latest news with #ancientcivilization
BBC News
a day ago
- Science
- BBC News
Los Abuelos: Experts discover 3,000-year-old lost Mayan city
Archaeologists say they have unearthed the remains of a 3,000-year-old Mayan city in the south American country of "Los Abuelos," which translates from Spanish as "The Grandparents," researchers say it once stood around 13 miles from the important archaeological site of Uaxactun, in the north of the Mayan civilization began around 2000 BC, in what is present-day southern Mexico and Guatemala, as well as parts of Belize, El Salvador and say Los Abuelos, which contains pyramids and monuments, point to its significance as an important ceremonial site. What did experts find? The new site is dated to what is known as the "Middle Preclassic" period, which took place from about 800 to 500 covers an area of around six square miles, and was discovered by Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists in previously little-explored areas of the Uaxactun to Guatemala's government, Los Abuelos is believed to have been "one of the most ancient and important ceremonial centres" of the Mayan civilization in the jungle area of Peten near the Mexican a statement, it added that the site's pyramids and monuments are "sculpted with unique iconography from the region."Nearby, experts found a 33-metre high pyramid ( longer than a swimming pool) with murals from the Preclassic period and also "a unique canal system," according to the statement. Los Abuelos takes its name from two human-like sculptures of an "ancestral couple" which were found at the site. Who were the Mayans? The Maya first developed their civilisation in around 2000 lived in a place called Mesoamerica, an area of land made up of Mexico and part of Central are known for amazing creations including the spectacular buildings they built, their art, folklore, legends and also invented ground-breaking ideas which have helped shape the way we live our lives today. For example, it's thought that the Maya invented the idea of 'zero'.In around 1600 AD the Maya were conquered and destroyed by the Spanish the Maya civilisation, Britain went through the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, including Stonehenge, to Roman Britain, Anglo-Saxon, Medieval and Tudor England.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Remains of Mayan city nearly 3,000 years old unearthed in Guatemala
Deep in the Guatemalan jungle lies the remains of an ancient city forgotten about for nearly 3,000 years, experts reveal. Covering an area of six square miles (16 sq km), the city, dubbed 'Los Abuelos', may date as far back as 800 BC. Experts at the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture say it was inhabited by the Maya, the ancient civilization of indigenous people in Central America. The presence of pyramids and monuments suggest it was an important Mayan ceremonial site where brutal human sacrifices may have taken place. 'The site presents remarkable architectural planning' with pyramids and monuments 'sculpted with unique iconography from the region', said the ministry. Originating around 2600 BC, the Maya civilization thrived in Central and South America for nearly 3,000 years, reaching its height between AD 250 to 900. The civilization occupied present-day southern Mexico and Guatemala, as well as parts of Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. But by 1000 AD, the civilization had mysteriously collapsed – possibly due to a devastating drought that created an agricultural crisis. This lost city of Los Abuelos is in the Maya Biosphere nature reserve (Reserva de Biosfera Maya), about 13 miles from Uaxactun, Guatemala. It was found by Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists in previously under-explored areas of the jungle habitat, home to a large number of animal and plant species. Authorities have already dated it to an estimated period from about 800 to 500 BC – what is known as the 'Middle Preclassic' period in Maya history. To put this into context, 800 BC was the time when people in Britain learned how to use iron for tools, several centuries before the Romans arrived. Los Abuelos (Spanish for 'The Grandparents') takes its name from two mysterious human-like sculptures described as an 'ancestral couple' found at the site. The figures, dated to between 500 and 300 BCE, 'could be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship,' said the ministry. It's well known the Maya would dance, sing and sometimes make offerings of blood to their several gods to demonstrate their respect and loyalty. But it's as yet unclear what these structures represented and how exactly they may have played a part in such events. Maya people even engaged in the brutal act of human sacrifice because they though blood was a potent source of nourishment for their gods – and that they'd get rain and fertile fields in return. Sadly, some of the humans caught up in such bizarre rituals were the very young , according to skeletal remains at a famous Maya pyramid. The Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists also managed to find a pyramid 108 feet (33 metres) high with murals from the Preclassic period and 'a unique canal system'. We already know the Mayans developed sophisticated techniques to harness natural water sources, adapting to seasonal rainfall patterns and creating complex irrigation systems. Noted for the only fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, the Mayas also had advanced art and architecture as well as mathematical and astronomical systems. Mysteriously in the 8th and 9th century AD, a large chunk of the Mayan civilization collapsed, leading to their eventual downfall around 1000 AD. While the reason for this has been hotly debated, drought and climate change are among the most widely-spouted theories. An increase in the elite Maya's preference for corn may have made the population more vulnerable to drought, contributing to its societal collapse, one theory goes. Experts at the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture say the new findings 'allow us to rethink the understanding of the ceremonial and socio-political organization' of the region in the pre-Hispanic period – the time prior to Spanish conquests in the 16th century. It follows the discovery of a Mayan city in Mexico that once featured an urban landscape of more than 6,500 structures. Using a laser method, researchers from the US uncovered a 21-square-mile metropolis with iconic stone pyramids, houses and other infrastructure that have been concealed for more than 3,000 years. Scientists also recently discovered a 1,000-year-old altar from Mexico's ancient Teotihuacan culture at nearby Tikal, about 14 miles (23km) south of Uaxactun. The find was interpreted as proof of ties between the two pre-Hispanic cultures, which lived about 800 miles (1,300 km) apart. Tikal is the main archaeological site in Guatemala and one of its biggest tourist attractions.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Lost city is discovered in Guatemala after 3,000 YEARS: Mysterious settlement dubbed Los Abuelos was 'one of the most important ceremonial centres' of the Maya civilization
Deep in the Guatemalan jungle lies the remains of an ancient city forgotten about for nearly 3,000 years, experts reveal. Covering an area of six square miles (16 sq km), the city, dubbed 'Los Abuelos', may date as far back as 800 BC. Experts at the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture say it was inhabited by the Maya, the ancient civilization of indigenous people in Central America. The presence of pyramids and monuments suggest it was an important Mayan ceremonial site where brutal human sacrifices may have taken place. 'The site presents remarkable architectural planning' with pyramids and monuments 'sculpted with unique iconography from the region', said the ministry. Originating around 2600 BC, the Maya civilization thrived in Central and South America for nearly 3,000 years, reaching its height between AD 250 to 900. The civilization occupied present-day southern Mexico and Guatemala, as well as parts of Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. But by 1000 AD, the civilization had mysteriously collapsed – possibly due to a devastating drought that created an agricultural crisis. This lost city of Los Abuelos is in the Maya Biosphere nature reserve (Reserva de Biosfera Maya), about 13 miles from Uaxactun, Guatemala. It was found by Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists in previously under-explored areas of the jungle habitat, home to a large number of animal and plant species. Authorities have already dated it to an estimated period from about 800 to 500 BC – what is known as the 'Middle Preclassic' period in Maya history. To put this into context, 800 BC was the time when people in Britain learned how to use iron for tools, several centuries before the Romans arrived. Los Abuelos (Spanish for 'The Grandparents') takes its name from two mysterious human-like sculptures described as an 'ancestral couple' found at the site. The figures, dated to between 500 and 300 BCE, 'could be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship,' said the ministry. It's well known the Maya would dance, sing and sometimes make offerings of blood to their several gods to demonstrate their respect and loyalty. But it's as yet unclear what these structures represented and how exactly they may have played a part in such events. The bizarre rituals of the Mayan civilization The Maya people of South America were a very superstitious civilization. They believed in many deities, had a god for every event, and therefore had many rituals performed for the gods to obtain their blessings from them. Human sacrifice was the best tribute that could be made to a god. Usually, slaves or prisoners were sacrificed. The most valuable blood was the one they extracted from their ears or tongues. But it was very normal for the Maya to make wounds to offer their blood to the gods. Human or animal sacrifices could be made by extirpating the heart of a human being or an animal and were usually carried out in the highest part of the pyramid. Source: Chichen Itza Maya people even engaged in the brutal act of human sacrifice because they though blood was a potent source of nourishment for their gods – and that they'd get rain and fertile fields in return. Sadly, some of the humans caught up in such bizarre rituals were the very young, according to skeletal remains at a famous Maya pyramid. The Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists also managed to find a pyramid 108 feet (33 metres) high with murals from the Preclassic period and 'a unique canal system'. We already know the Mayans developed sophisticated techniques to harness natural water sources, adapting to seasonal rainfall patterns and creating complex irrigation systems. Noted for the only fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, the Mayas also had advanced art and architecture as well as mathematical and astronomical systems. Mysteriously in the 8th and 9th century AD, a large chunk of the Mayan civilization collapsed, leading to their eventual downfall around 1000 AD. While the reason for this has been hotly debated, drought and climate change are among the most widely-spouted theories. An increase in the elite Maya's preference for corn may have made the population more vulnerable to drought, contributing to its societal collapse, one theory goes. The Maya civilization occupied present-day southern Mexico and Guatemala, as well as parts of Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. Pictured, a Maya pyramid nestled in a clearing among dense rain forest in, Copan, Honduras Experts at the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture say the new findings 'allow us to rethink the understanding of the ceremonial and socio-political organization' of the region in the pre-Hispanic period – the time prior to Spanish conquests in the 16th century. It follows the discovery of a Mayan city in Mexico that once featured an urban landscape of more than 6,500 structures. Using a laser method, researchers from the US uncovered a 21-square-mile metropolis with iconic stone pyramids, houses and other infrastructure that have been concealed for more than 3,000 years. Scientists also recently discovered a 1,000-year-old altar from Mexico's ancient Teotihuacan culture at nearby Tikal, about 14 miles (23km) south of Uaxactun. The find was interpreted as proof of ties between the two pre-Hispanic cultures, which lived about 800 miles (1,300 km) apart. Tikal is the main archaeological site in Guatemala and one of its biggest tourist attractions. The Maya civilisation thrived in Central America for nearly 3,000 years, reaching its height between AD 250 to 900. Noted for the only fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, the Mayas also had highly advanced art and architecture as well as mathematical and astronomical systems. During that time, the ancient people built incredible cities using advanced machinery and gained an understanding of astronomy, as well as developing advanced agricultural methods and accurate calendars. The Maya believed the cosmos shaped their everyday lives and they used astrological cycles to tell when to plant crops and set their calendars. This has led to theories that the Maya may have chosen to locate their cities in line with the stars. It is already known that the pyramid at Chichen Itza was built according to the sun's location during the spring and autumn equinoxes. When the sun sets on these two days, the pyramid casts a shadow on itself that aligns with a carving of the head of the Mayan serpent god. The shadow makes the serpent's body so that as the sun sets, the terrifying god appears to slide towards the earth. Maya influence can be detected from Honduras, Guatemala, and western El Salvador to as far away as central Mexico, more than 1,000km from the Maya area. The Maya peoples never disappeared. Today their descendants form sizable populations throughout the Maya area.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
New DNA analysis uncovers shocking clues behind the Maya civilization's mysterious collapse
For centuries, the story of the ancient Maya's sudden disappearance has captivated — and baffled — archaeologists. But now, a groundbreaking genetic study reveals a very different ending: the people never left. Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from human remains buried in Copan, a major Maya city in modern day Honduras. Their findings challenge the long-held belief that the city's fall around 1,200 years ago marked a total population collapse. Instead, the genetic data reveals that many of Copan's original inhabitants stayed put and bred with outsiders. The same bloodlines that walked Copan's grand plazas in the 9th century continued living in the region for centuries, even as the political empire crumbled. Archaeologists previously thought that the political collapse of Classic Maya city-states like Copan involved a massive population wipeout or mass exodus. Lisa Lucero, an anthropologist at the University of Illinois, echoed this sentiment in an interview with LiveScience, stating: 'The over 7 million Maya living today are living proof that the political system crumbled, not the people.' The collapse of the Mayan empire did not happen all at once, but over centuries of droughts, wars and stints of overpopulation. While historians debate the true cause of its disappearance, many agree that a combination of the factors led to the abandonment of many Maya city-states. While DNA has been recovered from other Maya sites before, this is the most detailed genetic snapshot ever taken of individuals who lived in one of the civilization's most iconic cities. Researchers analyzed the DNA of seven corpses found at Copan, allowing them piece the puzzle together. The newly extracted genomes were then compared to over 700 ancient and modern genomes from across the Americas, resulting in a detailed genetic map. The findings revealed that individuals buried at Copan belonged to a broader Maya genetic lineage that dates back to 3,700 BC, particularly in what is now Belize. However, researchers also detected genetic signatures from central Mexico's highlands, home to ancient Zapotec and Mixe peoples from roughly 500 BC to 900 AD. This genetic mixing supports long-standing theories that Maya elites may have intermarried with outsiders to facilitate political alliances, the researchers said. It also aligns with the idea that some rulers may have been raised in or originated from distant regions. Even after the political collapse of Classic Maya civilization, their genetic legacy lived on in present-day populations. The Copan people had strong links the modern-day Mexican, Guatemalan, and Honduran people. Shigeki Nakagome, co-author of the study and assistant professor of genomic medicine at Trinity College Dublin, said: 'This supports the idea that Maya society, especially among the elite, was both diverse and mobile,' Nakagome said. 'But despite these external influences, there's a remarkable continuity of local ancestry.' Copan was founded in 426 AD by the dynasty's first ruler, K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo', who is believed to have migrated from the central Maya region. Strategically located along major trade routes, the city served as a cultural crossroads linking Mesoamerican civilizations from the Yucatan to the Andes. Although Copan has been extensively studied through archaeology, its genetic history had remained largely unknown, until now. Interestingly, among the sequenced individuals, one male buried with elaborate artifacts in Copan stood out. His genetic profile suggested elite status, possibly a dynastic ruler. A second male, buried nearby with no artifacts, was identified as a likely sacrificial victim. They say small the small sample limits the study's potential to represent the complete diversity of Copán's population, let alone the broader Maya civilization.
Jordan Times
15-05-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Tell Abu Al Kharaz: The Bronze Age Stronghold
Pottery vessels found at Tell Abu Al Kharaz (Photo courtesy of Peter Fisher) AMMAN — Located just five kilometres from the Jordan River in the heart of the Jordan Valley, Tell Abu Al Kharaz stands as a testament to the strategic brilliance of its ancient inhabitants. Chosen in the latter part of the 4th millennium BC, this site offered a natural advantage, providing unparalleled defence and control over a large expanse of the valley. The Tell, measuring 400 meters by 300 meters, is isolated from the surrounding foothills that rise to the east, leading up to the Transjordanian plateau. Its elevated position offers an excellent vantage point, allowing for a wide range of visibility in all directions, while the rocky western slope and the steep northern and eastern slopes acted as natural barriers against potential invaders. "The Central Jordan Valley, visible from the summit of Tell Abu Al Kharaz, includes the hills around Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Beth Shan, the Beth Shan Valley, parts of the Harod Valley, the Samarian hills, and the area north of Tell es Saʿidiyeh," said Professor Peter Fisher. However, the view to the east is blocked by the rising hillocks of western Gilead, marking the start of the Transjordanian plateau. Remains of formidable stone-built town walls are still visible at the southern and northern edges of the tell, which date back to the Early Bronze Age IB (Phase IB). The original walls, constructed during this period, were reinforced and altered in Early Bronze Age II. Measuring up to 5 meters wide and likely standing 6 to 8 metres high at their peak, these walls were topped with a superstructure made of sun-dried mud bricks and wood. The walled town covered the entire upper plateau of the mound, which spans approximately 1.5 hectares (about 3.75 acres). Excavations have revealed that Early Bronze Age remains also extend to the surrounding slopes and flatlands, suggesting that the walled area was primarily used as a refuge during times of conflict. Villagers from the surrounding areas would have sought shelter within the town's fortified walls, not only for protection but to take part in defending the settlement. Structures and Raw Materials The relatively flat plateau of the mound, composed mainly of marly limestone, provided a convenient foundation for construction. Building materials were readily available, with smooth, portable stones scattered throughout the area. Clay, essential for producing mud bricks and fired pottery, was easily accessible from the nearby Wadi Al Yabis, an important source for the construction of domestic buildings and other structures. Professor Fisher noted that the plans of the domestic buildings varied, including curvilinear and roughly rectangular designs. Most Early Bronze Age structures were aligned on north-south/east-west axes, which contrast with later periods when structures were typically oriented northwest-southeast/northeast-southwest. The region surrounding Tell Abu Al Kharaz was historically more vegetated, providing ample resources for construction. Forests likely surrounded the site, offering timber for building and fuel. Even today, the vegetation in the Wadi Al Yabis area, located to the east, differs significantly from the Jordan Valley. While the valley is dominated by acacia and scrub oak, the foothills and the Cretaceous limestone mountains to the east are home to a mixed forest of pine, oak, and pistachio trees. "Wood for construction and fuel was readily accessible, which greatly facilitated the building process for the site's inhabitants," Fisher concluded.
