An ancient Maya complex built without kings has been discovered in Mexico.

Archaeologists from the University of Arizona have discovered in the Mexican state of Tabasco a huge ritual complex of Aguada Phoenix, hidden underground for more than 3 thousand years. The discovery changes the understanding of the origins of Mesoamerican civilization — the first grandiose structures of the region were built without monarchs and centralized authority. This was announced on November 9 by the online platform Arkeonews.

The study was conducted under the supervision of Regent Professor Takeshi Inomata and Professor Daniela Triadan. Scientists have established that the complex was built between 1050 and 700 BC and represents the oldest known cosmogram, a symbolic model of the universe created by communities associated with the Maya culture.

Unlike the later Maya kingdoms with their pyramids and palaces, there are no signs of hierarchy or noble residences in Aguada Phoenix. Everything points to collective construction.

"There has long been an assumption that centralized authority was required for the construction of large monuments. But our data show that around 1000 BC, people were already capable of voluntary mobilization of large—scale efforts — driven by common cosmological beliefs, rather than the power of kings," Inomata said.

In the central part of the complex, archaeologists found a cross-shaped ritual pit with azurite, malachite and ochre pigments, symbolizing the four cardinal points. These gifts date back to the 9th century BC and reflect the ancient concept of the connection of color, cardinal directions and cycles of life. According to Inomata, this is the first direct confirmation of color symbolism in early Mesoamerica.

Using LiDAR laser mapping, scientists found out that the territory of the complex stretched for almost 9 km and included canals, dams and roads aligned according to solar cycles. The construction of canals up to 35 m wide required enormous efforts, but was more of a ritual than a utilitarian nature.

Inomata believes that the channels were ritual paths or symbols of cosmic water flows — a physical manifestation of their universe. According to archaeologists, the construction took more than 10 million man-days of labor — without metal and without centralized management.

Among the artifacts, archaeologists found jade ornaments in the shape of crocodiles, birds, and women in childbirth, reflecting themes of water, fertility, and rebirth. Researcher Santi Ceballos clarified that these subjects demonstrate a culture in which nature and society played a major role, rather than power and subordination. Jade and pigments, as noted, came from remote regions — this indicates a developed trade before the advent of the monarchy.

Scientists believe that Aguada Phoenix became a kind of "big bang" of the Maya civilization — a sudden flourishing of architecture and social ideas around 1000 BC. Inomata noted that Maya cosmology, their calendar and social organization appeared almost simultaneously with the first monumental centers.

Although the complex was abandoned around 700 BC, its layout and symbolism had a huge impact on the further development of Mesoamerican cultures. Aguada Phoenix demonstrates that people are able to create great things together, without hierarchy and inequality, Inomata concluded.

On November 9, Science X magazine announced the creation of a new digital map, according to which the length of ancient Roman roads turned out to be 50% longer than the early historical conclusions. Previously, it was believed that the length of Roman roads is about 188 555 km, but new work proves that it reaches about 300 thousand km.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.