Archaeologists discover ancient Maya city hidden in Mexican jungle for over 1,000 years

An international team of archaeologists has discovered a previously unknown Maya city deep within the jungles of Mexico, a settlement believed to have remained hidden for more than a millennium, according to a report by the Mirror.

The discovery was made in the Calakmul Nature Reserve during a joint expedition by Slovenian and Mexican researchers. The newly identified archaeological site has been named Minanbe, a term in the Yucatec Maya language meaning “no path,” reflecting the site's remote and difficult-to-access location.

The expedition was led by Ivan Šprajc of the Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Prior to the fieldwork, researchers analysed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data, which indicated the possible presence of man-made structures concealed beneath the dense jungle canopy.

During the survey, archaeologists identified an ancient city covering approximately 13 hectares. Preliminary findings suggest that the settlement was built between AD 600 and 900, during the height of Maya civilisation.

Among the structures uncovered at the site are a 13-metre pyramid constructed in the distinctive Río Bec style, as well as stone reliefs depicting water-related symbolism and ritual scenes.

According to members of the expedition, the city appears to be remarkably well preserved. Unlike many other Maya archaeological sites, Minanbe shows little evidence of looting, making the discovery particularly valuable for researchers.

Archaeologists believe the city served as an important regional centre whose economy was largely based on agriculture.