Deep in the jungles of southeast Campeche state, archaeologists have discovered a significant new Mayan site, called Chactun, or Red Rock, that was thrived roughly from 600 to 900 A.D.
The site, never reported previously, is “one of the largest sites ever registered in the Central Lowlands,” the National Institute of Anthropology and History said.
Led by Ivan Šprajc, a team of Mexican and foreign archaeologists and experts financed by National Geographic came across the ruin a few weeks ago after studying aerial photos.
The expedition was also financed by the Austrian firm Villas and the Slovenian company Ars longa.
"It is one of the largest sites in the Central Lowlands, comparable in extent and magnitude of its buildings to Becan, Nadzcaan and El Palmar in Campeche," said Šprajc, a Slovenian researcher.
It wasn’t easy to get to the 55-acre site. The explorers and archaeologists followed ancient trails used by gum tappers and loggers.
“The road is passable only with four-wheel drive and one must continually stop to cut back the vegetation with a machete that block the path,”.
“The site comprises 3 monumental complexes. The West, which covers an area of over 11 hectares, while the Southeast and Northeast together account for a combined equal area.
“Around these spaces are scattered numerous pyramidal, palatial structures, including two ball courts, patios, plazas, sculptured monuments and residential areas.
While the tallest pyramid, 23 meters high, is located in the West Complex, what is most impressive is the volume of building construction.
“It is the stelae and altars, some of which still contain stucco, that best reflect the splendor of this city in the so-called Late Classic Period (600-900 AD).
“Contemporary Maya cities to Chactun include Calakmul, Becan and El Palmar-known for their large number of altars and stelae, which combine carved inscriptions with painted stucco, a rare feature in this type of monument.
“Of the 19 stelae recorded so far, 3 are the best preserved.”
