(ORDO NEWS) — Archaeologists managed to explore the ancient Mayan city that sank during a natural disaster. Such an expedition was organized only now, although the plans were many years ago.
The fact is that the locals (and the city was located on the territory of modern Guatemala) consider this place sacred, and for a long time opposed the scientists to conduct their research.
At the top of the volcano is a huge lake Atitlan. During the heyday of the Maya civilization, a large city was founded on the islands of this lake with many residential buildings, temples and squares.
But, presumably, the volcano woke up, because of its activity, the city was partially destroyed, and the remains of the buildings were submerged under water, to a depth of 20 meters.
This happened more than 2000 years ago, and since then only legends have been circulating about the local “Atlantis”. A few years ago, local fishermen discovered, as it seemed to them, a “city under water”, after which the authorities nevertheless decided on a full-fledged expedition.
From the very beginning, on March 14, the expedition has been diving to link the site to the terrain, thus obtaining data for creating models in photogrammetry and virtual walks.
“This mission laid the groundwork for a recommendation to establish a cultural center where people can experience and explore the site through digital reconstructions,” explained Helena Barba Meinecke, head of the Yucatán Peninsula Office, Sub-Directorate of Underwater Archeology, INAH.
Scientists have found the remains of buildings and fragments of ceramics. This will allow specialists to sketch out a rough plan of the city and conduct a more detailed search for both artifacts and signs that will help to understand what kind of catastrophe destroyed a prosperous city.
—
Online:
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.