A previously unknown Maya city, named Valeriana, has been discovered in the jungles of Campeche, Mexico. The discovery, announced in October 2024, was made by Luke Auld-Thomas, a doctoral student at Tulane University, through the analysis of existing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. This technology uses laser pulses to create detailed 3D models of the landscape, revealing structures hidden beneath dense vegetation.
Valeriana, located near a freshwater lagoon, features classic elements of a Maya political center, including temple pyramids, plazas, a ball court, and water management systems. Researchers estimate that the city dates back to the Classic Period (250-900 AD) and may have housed between 30,000 and 50,000 people at its peak. The site spans approximately 120 square kilometers and contains over 6,500 structures.
The discovery challenges previous assumptions about Maya settlement patterns and highlights the sophistication of ancient Maya civilization in adapting to tropical environments. Valeriana's density is considered second only to Calakmul, a major Maya site. This finding emphasizes that significant archaeological discoveries are still possible, even in areas near modern development.