Conny Waters – AncientPages.com –<\/strong>\u00a0Archaeologists working in Quintana Roo, Mexico, have uncovered a previously unknown ancient Maya site concealed within the forest. This pre-Hispanic settlement\u2014named El Jefeci\u00f1o in recognition of the monumental complex containing around 80 structures\u2014came to light thanks to local residents during the Tren Maya Archaeological Salvage Project, coordinated by archaeologist Manuel P\u00e9rez Rivas, on Front 1 of Section 7.<\/p>\n The Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, emphasizes that the registration \u201cstrengthens the protection of archaeological heritage and expands knowledge about the Mayan presence in southern Quintana Roo. Incorporating this site into the work of INAH also recognizes the value of the communities in safeguarding a historical memory that belongs to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n Credit: INAH<\/em><\/p>\n Drawing on the architectural features, researchers suggest that the site dates to the Early\/Late Classic period (250\u2013900 AD), a time when this distinctive style emerged, marked by large vaulted buildings, rounded and recessed corners, and apron moldings.<\/p>\n Credit: INAH<\/em><\/p>\n Initial findings indicate that El Jefeci\u00f1o extends across roughly 100 hectares, though its true size may be larger. The archaeologist stresses that more comprehensive exploration will be essential to determine its full extent, the precise dimensions of its buildings, and the overall settlement pattern, among other important characteristics.<\/p>\n \u201cWe observed what corresponds to the nuclear area, composed of five buildings between 11 and 14 meters high and 16 to 40 meters long. These monuments are arranged around a C-shaped plaza.\u201d<\/p>\n Credit: INAH<\/em><\/p>\n In building No. 53035, located in the northeast sector of the property, specialists identified stucco remains with decorative mural painting, as well as fragments of a human skeleton that may belong to a burial context. However, no formal archaeological salvage operation was conducted, so the materials could not be recovered or analyzed in depth and must remain in situ.<\/p>\n Regarding the mural painting, Ojeda Gonz\u00e1lez indicated that it appears decorative rather than narrative, featuring white and orange pigments and red stripes. He emphasized that more intensive exploration is needed to confirm these observations.<\/p>\n![\"Lost](\"https:\/\/www.ancientpages.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ancientmayaeljefecino.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n