Discovery Sheds New Light on Early Maya Rituals ^{CEFR B1}

A team of researchers has uncovered significant monumental constructions by early Mesoamerican cultures, specifically at a site known as Aguada Fénix, discovered in 2020. This site, located in Mexico, measures nearly one mile in length and is considered to be one of the largest of its kind in the region, raising questions about early Maya civilization.

The excavation revealed ceremonial artifacts, including jade items, which indicate that Aguada Fénix played a crucial role in early Maya rituals. The researchers utilized a technique called lidar, which uses lasers to scan through vegetation, helping them locate the site and understand its dimensions.

This discovery challenges previous beliefs about Mesoamerican societies, suggesting that they may have organized large-scale constructions much earlier than the well-known cities like Tikal and Teotihuacan. The findings imply that cooperation among community members led to these impressive achievements, contrasting with the idea of centralized power being necessary for such feats.