Archaeologists in Mexico recently made an intriguing discovery of a hidden subterranean structure with painted walls underneath a Maya ball court. The ball court served as a playing space for a ritual ball game played by the Maya and other Mesoamerican peoples. Ivan Šprajc, an archaeologist leading the excavation, stated that the team found parts of an earlier building with painted walls, but further excavations are needed to uncover the shape and function of the underlying structure.
This finding is significant as ball courts are typically found at major Maya sites, indicating centers of regional political organization. The structure is believed to date back to the Early Classic period (A.D. 200 to 600) and is covered with a layer of painted stucco. The discovery was made possible through the use of lidar technology, which allowed researchers to map the landscape’s topography by shooting laser pulses from an aircraft.
In addition to this discovery, the team also unearthed a lost Maya city named Ocomtún in 2023, which features several large pyramids from the Maya Classic period. The site is located in a previously unexplored area south of Ocomtún. Furthermore, another site was discovered, showcasing a plaza, a 52-foot-high pyramid, and a rectangular water reservoir. On top of the pyramid, archaeologists found offerings such as ceramic vessels, a ceramic animal leg, and a chert knife or spear point.
These offerings were deposited during the Late Postclassic period (1250 to 1524), indicating that even after the decline of the central Maya Lowlands, small groups of people continued to inhabit the area. Šprajc emphasized that despite the abandonment of most Classic period Maya settlements, individuals continued to honor their ancestors by placing offerings near their buildings.
Laura, an editor at Live Science specializing in archaeology and Life’s Little Mysteries, reported on this fascinating discovery. Her work has been featured in various publications and she holds degrees in English literature and psychology as well as a master’s degree in science writing.
This latest archaeological find sheds light on the rich history of the Maya civilization and the ongoing efforts to uncover the secrets of their ancient structures. The work of archaeologists like Šprajc and the implementation of advanced technologies like lidar continue to reveal new insights into the lives and practices of the Maya people. As research in this field progresses, we can expect more fascinating discoveries that deepen our understanding of this enigmatic civilization.
