Lagunita: The Rediscovery of an Ancient Maya City

Lagunita: The Rediscovery of an Ancient Maya City

The dense jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico hold countless secrets of the Maya civilization, a sophisticated society known for its advancements in astronomy, architecture, and writing. Among these hidden treasures is Lagunita, an ancient Maya city that remained elusive to researchers for decades despite early documentation.

The Path to Rediscovery

For years, the precise location of Lagunita was a mystery. In the 1970s, Swiss archaeologist Eric Von Euw visited the site and created detailed drawings of its monuments and facades. However, these records were not enough to pinpoint the city's exact coordinates, and subsequent attempts to relocate the site failed.

The breakthrough occurred in August 2014. Ivan Sprajc, an associate professor at the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, led a team that utilized aerial photographs to scan the landscape. By reviewing these images, Sprajc and his team successfully identified Lagunita, as well as another site known as Tamchen.

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Key Facts

  • Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.
  • Identification Date: August 2014.
  • Lead Researcher: Ivan Sprajc (Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts).
  • Method of Discovery: Analysis of aerial photographs.
  • Early Documentation: Drawings of facades and monuments created by Eric Von Euw in the 1970s.
  • Associated Site: Identified alongside the city of Tamchen.

Site Summary

Overview of the Lagunita Archaeological Site
Attribute Details
Region Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Civilization Maya
Discovery Method Aerial Photography
Key Figures Ivan Sprajc, Eric Von Euw

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the ancient city of Lagunita located?

Lagunita is located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.

Who officially identified the site in 2014?

The site was identified by Ivan Sprajc, an associate professor at the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and his team.

How was Lagunita found after years of being lost?

The team identified the city by reviewing and analyzing aerial photographs of the region.

Did anyone visit Lagunita before 2014?

Yes, Swiss archaeologist Eric Von Euw visited the site in the 1970s and documented its monuments with drawings, though the exact location remained unclear until 2013.

What other site was identified at the same time as Lagunita?

The city of Tamchen was identified alongside Lagunita in August 2014.

References

  1. "Ancient Mayan Cities Found In Mexican Jungle". The Huffington Post. August 22, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  2. "Ancient Maya Cities Found in Jungle". DNews. Discovery News. 15 Aug 2014. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 23 Aug 2014.