Archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of an ancient Mayan city full of palaces, pyramids and squares, on the construction site of what will become an industrial park near Merida on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
The site, called Xiol, has features of the Puuc Mayan architectural style, archaeologists said, which is common in the southern Yucatan Peninsula but rare near Merida.
“We estimate that more than 4,000 people lived here,” said Carlos Peraza, one of the archaeologists who led the excavations of the city, which is believed to have been occupied by 600-900 people.
“There were people from different social classes – priests, writers who lived in these big palaces, and there were ordinary people who lived in small buildings.”
Vases, flowerpots and tools are on display after being found in the ruins of a Mayan site called Xiol in Canasine, Mexico. (Lorenzo Hernandez / Reuters)
Researchers have also found nearby cemeteries for adults and children who were buried with obsidian and flint tools, offerings and other items.
Remains of marine life have also been found in the area, suggesting the town’s residents are supplementing their agricultural diets with fishing on the nearby coast.
Xiol was opened after the start of construction of an industrial park. It will still be built, but the archeological remains will be preserved, according to the landowners.
“It simply came to our notice then [in the area] has grown and many of the archeological remains have been destroyed … but even we as archaeologists are surprised because we did not expect to find a site so well preserved, “Peraza said.
Men are seen working Thursday near the site’s ruins. (Lorenzo Hernandez / Reuters)
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