The city was likely abandoned thousands of years ago, potentially due to climate change and its impact on the region's agricultural viability.

Researchers have uncovered traces of an ancient Maya city named Valeriana in the dense jungles of southern Mexico, revealing a previously unknown urban landscape.

Using advanced laser scanning technology known as LiDAR, a survey covering 50 square miles identified 6,764 structures, indicating a significant population density in the area.

The findings, published in the journal Antiquity on October 30, 2024, suggest that the jungle, once thought to be sparsely populated, was home to a complex society.

The analysis indicates that Valeriana could have supported a population of 30,000 to 50,000 people at its peak between 750 and 850 AD.

Valeriana features two monumental precincts, including a political capital layout with plazas, a ball court, temple pyramids, and a freshwater reservoir.

The structures date from approximately 250 to 900 AD, with evidence suggesting earlier settlement could have begun around 150 AD.

Experts caution that while LiDAR reveals surface features, it does not provide precise timelines for occupation, complicating the understanding of the city's historical context.

The discovery highlights the potential for more undiscovered settlements, emphasizing the need for continued archaeological exploration in the region.

LiDAR technology, which has revolutionized archaeological research, allows for detailed mapping of terrain and structures hidden beneath dense vegetation.

Led by anthropologist Luke Auld-Thomas, this research underscores the importance of integrating environmental data with archaeological studies to enhance our understanding of ancient Maya civilization.

Overall, these findings contribute significantly to the understanding of urbanization in the Campeche region, challenging previous notions of low-density settlements in ancient civilizations.