Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com –<\/strong> A LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey conducted in Campeche, Mexico, has revealed significant archaeological findings. The survey covered an area of 140 square kilometers, penetrating dense vegetation and uncovered a previously unknown outpost, now named Ocomt\u00fan, which translates to “Stone Pillar.”<\/p>\n Surrounding Ocomt\u00fan, researchers identified several ceremonial sites. These satellite structures were the focus of an expedition earlier this year. During the analysis of photographs from the expedition, scientists observed an unusual structure that was later determined to be an underground chamber within a Mayan compound located deep in the Mexican rainforest.<\/p>\n Central part of the site where the drainage tunnel was found. Credit: INAH<\/em><\/p>\n The underground chamber was hidden beneath Bone of the Mayan ritual ball courts. <\/span>It appears that the ballpark was built on top of the ruins of another building. The archaeologists do not yet know the what the underground chamber was used for but there it no doubt it was important.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This discovery is particularly noteworthy as it provides insight into human behavior in the region long after the collapse of the Mayan civilization. The presence of this chamber suggests that some populations continued to inhabit the area for hundreds of years following the decline of the broader Mayan culture.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have found several ancient Maya settlements, with remains of residential buildings and temple pyramids,\u201d said Dr Ivan \u0160prajc, who led the expedition on behalf of Mexico\u2019s National Institute of Anthropology and History.<\/p>\n Dr. \u0160prajc’s research shows that lower regions lack terraced fields and canals. Settlements there are small with few significant structures. Walls and architectural decorations are rare, and monuments are few, small, and unadorned. Preliminary ceramic analysis suggests peak occupation during the Late and Terminal Classic periods (600-1000 AD). This may result from late-stage migrations, possibly due to population growth in nearby, more suitable areas.<\/p>\n View along the tunnel. Photo: Vitan Vujanovic.<\/em><\/p>\n “The inevitable impression is that the Mayan culture of this region we have just explored was noticeably less elaborate than that of Pet\u00e9n to the south, and the regions of Chenes and Chact\u00fan to the north and east,” he said.<\/p>\n Outside the complex, near its northeast corner, researchers also observed a channel draining water from the plaza. This feature was associated with an early stage of development and later covered during renovations. Dr. \u0160prajc notes that they also inspected another site this season.\u00a0 The eastern sector featured a ball game court, where they discovered a substructure possibly dating to the Early Classic period (200-600 A.D.), covered with painted stucco remains.<\/p>\n![\"LIDAR](\"https:\/\/www.ancientpages.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ocomtun3.jpg\")
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