In June 2020, the archaeological world was captivated by the announcement of a groundbreaking discovery in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. The site, known as Aguada Fénix, was identified through an innovative aerial survey utilizing laser mapping technology. This monumental structure, a vast flattened mound nearly a mile in length and rising between 33 and 50 feet in height, has been recognized as the oldest and largest Mayan ceremonial site discovered to date.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Pomona
Pomona stands as a significant Maya archaeological site located in the Mexican state of Tabasco, within the municipality of Tenosique. Approximately 30 miles east of the renowned site of Palenque, Pomona’s historical significance is rooted in its flourishing during the Late Classic period of Maya civilization. This blog post aims to delve into the site’s geographical setting, its discovery and exploration, historical events associated with Pomona, and its artistic contributions to the Maya culture.
Kohunlich
Kohunlich, known in Modern Mayan as X-làabch’e’en, stands as a significant archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Situated on the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, this site is approximately 25 km east of the Rio Bec region and about 65 km west of Chetumal on Highway 186, with a short 9 km journey south from the road to reach its entrance. Despite its rich history and significance, the original name of Kohunlich remains a mystery, and its current name is derived not from Mayan but from an English term, Cohune Ridge, highlighting the area’s dense cohune palm growth.
Ihuatzio archaeological site
Ihuatzio, an archaeological site located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, stands as a testament to the rich prehispanic history of the region. Situated on the southern slopes of Cerro Tariaqueri, just north of the town of Ihuatzio in the Tzintzuntzan municipality, this site offers invaluable insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the area.
Huamelulpan archaeological site
Huamelulpan stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Mixtec civilization, one of the prominent cultures of Mesoamerica. Located in the town of San Martín Huamelulpan, Oaxaca, Mexico, this archaeological site offers profound insights into the Mixtec people, their society, and their interactions with neighboring cultures.
Holtun
Holtun, a Maya archaeological site located in the Petén Department of northern Guatemala, offers a unique window into the ancient Maya civilization. Officially recognized in 1994, Holtun, originally known as La Máquina, has become a focal point for understanding the sociocultural complexity of the Preclassic period in the Lowland Maya area. This site, with its long period of occupation from the Middle Preclassic through to the Late Classic periods, provides invaluable insights into the architectural, ceremonial, and daily life of the Maya.