Archaeologists have discovered 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 the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
The site, called Xiol, has characteristics 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 from 600 to 900 AD.
“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,” Peraza said.
Vases, flowerpots and tools were found in Xiol, an ancient Mayan city full of palaces, pyramids and squares. Photo: 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. This is yet to be built, although archeological remains will be preserved, according to the landowners.
“It simply came to our notice then [in the area] it 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 place so well preserved, “Peraza said.
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