Ancient Maya developed super highways network more than 1,000 years ago
El Mirador is a late Maya preclassic city, located in Guatemala, in the heart of the Petén jungle, and it was recently revealed that the first network of super highways in the world was made there by this ancient civilization.
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LiDAR-derived images accurately portrayed structures and a network of 17 roads [Credit: Archaeological Project Cuenca Mirador] |
In total, it is estimated that El Mirador, also known as the the “Kan” Kingdom, covers an area of 2,158 square kilometers within the Maya Biosphere Reserve and is also one of the most important environmental lungs in all the American Continent.
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LIDAR scan reveals a network of roads, canals, corrals, pyramids and terraces at El Mirador [Credit: Archaeological Project Cuenca Mirador] |
Within the analyzed area, experts have discovered cities, pyramids, terraces, canals, walls and the network of 17 roads measuring more than 240 kilometers long by 40 meters wide – which were used for freight transport.
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LiDAR image showing features and causeways within the Guatemalan jungle [Credit: Archaeological Project Cuenca Mirador] |
According to Hansen, this was the first state in all of the Americas, and in its time could have been the largest in the world, both in size and population, as it is estimated that at least 1 million people lived there before it collapsed, around the year 150 BC.
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LIDAR scan reveals a network of roads in the Guatemala jungle [Credit: Archaeological Project Cuenca Mirador] |
It is also Guatemala’s most famous natural and cultural reserve, declared a national park in 1955 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, however “El Mirador” has bigger cities than Tikal, only that they are still uncovered.
The research will continue with the aim of discovering more data on this fascinating civilization within this magnificent city, and for that, Hansen urges the governments of Guatemala and Mexico – as far as “El Mirador” extends – to support protecting the area and boosting sustainable tourism.
Source: The Yucatan Times [February 08, 2017]
Nice article thanks! How were the roads used for freight, without the wheel or draft animals? I know large heavy things were moved...did they use rolling logs perhaps?
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