Mayan city discovered in Mexico's jungle

Archaeologists have discovered a nearly perfectly preserved Mayan city hidden within the dense jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Named Minanbé, the approximately 15-hectare complex is located in the deep rainforest of the Campeche state.

The site features a pyramid-shaped temple standing over 13 meters tall, 14 altars, several palace-like and religious buildings, agricultural terraces, and water channels. Researchers also found monuments known as stelae, including one decorated with a relief of a decapitation scene and another still bearing hieroglyphic texts.

Led by archaeologist Ivan Sprajci, the team reached the site after traveling through kilometers of thick jungle by machete, quad bike, and on foot. The ruins are believed to date between 600 and 900 AD, coinciding with the golden age of Calakmul. Unlike many other archaeological sites, the ruins show no signs of looting.