Archaeologists have announced the discovery of Los Abuelos, an ancient Maya city in northern Guatemala. The ruins, featuring pyramids and monuments, indicate its significance as a ceremonial center dating back almost 3,000 years. This groundbreaking find enriches our understanding of the Maya civilization and its complex socio-political structures.
The discoveries were made through a collaborative effort between Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists, alongside international experts. This was within the Uaxactun Regional Archaeological Project (PARU), supported by Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. The team's work has shed light on previously unexplored areas, revealing the extent of Maya civilization in the region.
Located approximately 13 miles from Uaxactun, Los Abuelos dates back to the Middle Preclassic period (800-500 B.C.). Spanning about 6 square miles, the city boasts a nearly 108-foot-tall pyramid adorned with Classic period frescoes, and a unique canal system. These features highlight the advanced engineering and architectural capabilities of the ancient Maya.
The Ministry of Culture of Guatemala notes that the complex, including the pyramid and monuments, forms a previously unknown urban triangle, prompting a reevaluation of the ceremonial and socio-political structure of pre-Hispanic Petén.