Lost Mayan City Found in Mexican Jungle
from: http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Lost-Mayan-City-Found-in-Mexican-Jungle-20140816-0047.html
Ivan Sprajc also leaded the discovery of the ancient city of Chactun and Tamchen. (Photo: INAH)
The ruins have several unknown architectural and decorative elements.
A group of archeologists, led by Slovenian academic Ivan Šprajc, has unearthed several Mayan ruins in the north eastern part of the state of Campeche, Mexico.
Among the sites discovered in the north sector of Calakmul reservation there are ruins of pyramids, a palace and a monster mouth doorway.
One of the cities discovered was named Lagunita (small lagoon) after American archaeologist Eric Von Euw visited it in the seventies. Although he took several photos of the sites, the city could never been found again until now because Von Euw didn’t record the site’s location.
The other urban center is Tamchen, which is Mayan for deep well.
According to the experts, the most significant finding was the monster mouth doorway representing the open jaws of the earth creature.
Sprajc, who works for the Scientific Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, explained that this deity is commonly associated by the Mayan religion to the underworld, water and fertility.
The archaeologists also found a pyramidal temple of about 65 feet high, a ball court, several massive palace-like buildings and four plazas.
Another finding that catched the experts attention was was the discovery of 30 “chultuns” within Tamchen, which are underground chambers used to collect water.
Last year, Sprajc's team found another ancient Mayan city named Chactun near Lagunita and Tamchen; however, the archaeologist said that they are still figuring out if there is any connection between both sites.
The importance of both sites, according to experts, is indicated by the architectural features and sculpted monuments, as well as the high concentration of housing remains in its vicinity.
