Researchers from Tulane University used lidar technology to survey 50 square miles of dense jungle forests in Mexico, uncovering more than 6,500 pre-Hispanic structures, including a previously unknown large city with stone pyramids. This discovery sheds light on the vast extent and complexity of Maya settlements in the region, challenging previous assumptions about the civilization’s landscape. The findings were published in the journal Antiquity by anthropology doctoral student Luke Auld-Thomas and his advisor, Professor Marcello A. Canuto.
The Middle American Research Institute (MARI) at Tulane University has been at the forefront of using lidar technology in archaeological research. With support from the Hitz Foundation, MARI has built a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab to analyze remote sensing data such as lidar. This technology uses laser pulses to create detailed three-dimensional models of specific areas, enabling researchers to identify ancient structures like pyramids and family houses from a computer lab. The team’s findings in Campeche, Mexico, represent the expansion of MARI’s lidar footprint in advancing archaeological research.
The use of lidar technology has challenged previous debates about the true extent of Maya settlements, revealing a more diverse and complex landscape than previously believed. By mapping large areas quickly and with high precision, researchers were able to uncover numerous structures that had not previously been documented. This discovery suggests that the Maya civilization may have been more widespread and populous than previously thought, with a diverse tapestry of towns and communities throughout the region.
The research conducted in Mexico may help address ongoing debates about the nature of Maya settlements and the overall population density in the region. By revealing the presence of a large city with pyramids and other settlements near a major highway, the study demonstrates that there is still much to discover about the ancient Maya civilization. The use of lidar technology has revolutionized the field of archaeology, allowing researchers to uncover hidden structures and gain a better understanding of ancient civilizations like the Maya.
The transformative power of lidar technology in archaeological research is evident in the findings of the Tulane University team in Mexico. By revealing previously unknown settlements and structures, the researchers have deepened our understanding of the ancient Maya civilization and the extent of their cultural landscape. The use of lidar technology to map large areas quickly and with precision has opened up new possibilities for uncovering the secrets of ancient civilizations and challenging previous assumptions about their history and development.
In conclusion, the use of lidar technology by researchers at Tulane University has uncovered vast Maya settlements in Mexico, shedding new light on the complexity and extent of the ancient civilization. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the Maya landscape and population density, revealing a diverse tapestry of towns and communities throughout the region. This research highlights the transformative power of lidar technology in archaeological research and its ability to uncover hidden structures and provide insights into ancient civilizations like the Maya.
