Researchers have discovered a large ancient city named “Valeriana” in Mexico, believed to have been home to 30-50,000 people at its peak. The city likely collapsed between 800 A.D. and 1,000 A.D. due to a combination of factors, including climate change. LiDAR technology has enabled researchers to uncover hidden structures in densely forested areas, revolutionizing archaeological research. By using laser pulses to penetrate the forest canopy, LiDAR provides highly detailed images of the landscape below. The discovery of Valeriana highlights the importance of field research alongside mapping efforts using drones. The study suggests that Maya structures in east-central Campeche are more common than previously thought, indicating a need for further exploration in the region. Researchers are hopeful that continued advancements in LiDAR technology will lead to the discovery of more ancient settlements in the future.
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