Discovery of Ancient Maya City | 23 Jun 2023

Why in News?

Archaeologists in Mexico have made a significant discovery in the dense jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, uncovering the remains of an ancient Maya city.

What are the Major Findings Related to Ancient Maya City?

  • About:
    • 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.

What is 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.

What are the Other Major Ancient Civilizations?

  • The Indus Valley Civilization- Northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India
  • The Mesopotamian Civilization- Iraq, Syria, and Turkey
  • The Incan Civilization- Ecuador, Peru, and Chile
  • The Aztec Civilization- Mexico
  • The Persian Civilization- Iran
  • The Ancient Greek Civilization- Greece
  • The Ancient Egyptian Civilization- Egypt

What are the Key Facts of Mexico?

  • Form of Government: Republic of federated states
  • Capital: Mexico City
  • Official Language: Spanish
  • Money: Peso
  • Major Mountain Ranges: Sierra Madre
  • Major Rivers: Rio Grande, Yaqui