In Mexico, scientists have discovered a map of the universe from the ancient Maya

In Mexico, researchers discovered a large—scale structure among the ancient Maya, which, as it has now been established, was a cosmogram - a geometric map of the universe. New data show that the 3,000-year-old structure was used for collective observations of the sky and simulated the structure of the world. This was reported on November 19 in the journal Science Focus.

Archaeologists from the University of Arizona studied the Aguada Phoenix complex after it was discovered from the air using laser imaging. The originally found huge cross-shaped moat turned out to be part of a multitude of large configurations embedded in each other, connected by channels. Their total volume exceeds 3.8 million cubic meters — comparable to one and a half pyramids of Cheops.

The key was the discovery of pigments, the first such samples in Mesoamerica. Blue and green minerals, yellow ochre, and shells are distributed strictly along the cardinal directions: blue azurite corresponded to the north, yellow pigment to the south, green malachite to the east, and mother—of—pearl shells to the west, where, according to scientists, red dye was originally used. According to specialist James Doyle, such cross shapes and color symbols reflect how the early communities represented the organization of terrestrial space and its connection with water, both practical and ritual.

The researchers emphasized that the structure was not built by the elite and not in a strict hierarchy. There are no traces of palaces or chieftain residences typical of the late Maya on the territory. The scale of the work, "one of the largest in the region," indicates that at least one thousand people could have participated in the creation of the cosmogram for several years, guided by the collective practice of observing astronomical cycles and sharing knowledge of the calendar. The space also served as a place of commerce, communication, and rituals.

In addition to pigments, jade artifacts were found, mainly animal figurines. Among them, one sculpture stands out, according to researchers, depicting a woman at the time of childbirth. Doyle said that further excavations will help to understand whether this figure occupied a special position and what significance it had for the Aguada Phoenix society. As the monument is studied, ideas about the social organization and distribution of influence in this early community may change dramatically.

The online platform Arkeonews reported on November 9 that archaeologists from the University of Arizona have discovered a huge ritual complex of Aguada Phoenix hidden underground for more than 3 thousand years in the Mexican state of Tabasco. The discovery changes ideas about the origins of Mesoamerican civilization — the region's first grandiose structures were built without monarchs and centralized authority.

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