Archaeologists have discovered a previously unknown ancient Maya city, now named Ocomtún, concealed within the dense jungle of the Balamkú ecological reserve in the Mexican state of Campeche. Led by Ivan Šprajc of the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU), the team identified the site using aerial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveys, which revealed significant stone structures beneath the forest canopy.
How Ocomtún Was Discovered
The discovery followed an extensive aerial survey conducted by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico. Researchers analyzed LiDAR data, which uses laser pulses to penetrate thick vegetation and map the topography of the ground below. The images indicated the presence of multiple large structures, prompting a surface expedition to verify the findings.
"The biggest surprise was the site, located on an elevated piece of land surrounded by vast wetlands," Šprajc stated in an official INAH release. The site, which spans approximately 50 hectares, features large pyramid-like buildings, stone columns, and plazas. The team officially named the site Ocomtún, which translates to "stone column" in the Yucatec Maya language, referencing the numerous cylindrical stone columns found throughout the ancient ruins.
What the Structures Reveal
Field analysis suggests that Ocomtún served as an important regional center, likely during the Classic period between 250 and 1000 AD. The architectural layout includes:
- Pyramidal Structures: Several buildings reach heights of up to 15 meters.
- Ball Courts: The team identified areas consistent with Mesoamerican ball game courts, a common feature in major Maya urban centers.
- Central Plazas: The site is organized around three main plazas containing massive structures and various smaller, low-lying buildings.
According to Šprajc, the presence of these structures indicates the city held significant political or religious influence in the central Maya Lowlands. While the city appears to have been a hub of activity, the team noted that the site underwent changes during the Late Classic period (600–900 AD), as evidenced by smaller structures built within the plazas that may reflect the social and economic shifts experienced by Maya populations before the collapse of the Classic period.
Why This Site Matters
The discovery of Ocomtún is significant because it fills a "blank spot" on the archaeological map of the Yucatán Peninsula. Large areas of the central Maya Lowlands remain unexplored due to the remote, rugged terrain. By locating an intact urban center, researchers can better understand the network of trade, agriculture, and political alliances that defined the region.
Unlike many other sites in the area, Ocomtún shows less evidence of extensive looting, providing archaeologists with a relatively undisturbed look at its original layout. Future research will focus on determining the specific population size of the city and its relationship to other nearby sites like Chactún, which was discovered by the same research team in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the city of Ocomtún located?
The city is located within the Balamkú ecological reserve in the state of Campeche, Mexico. It sits in a remote, heavily forested area of the Yucatan Peninsula.
How old are the ruins?
Preliminary assessments by the INAH research team suggest the city was most active during the Classic period, roughly between 250 and 1000 AD.
Why was it named Ocomtún?
The name was chosen by the research team because of the numerous cylindrical stone columns found at the site, which are characteristic of the architecture in this specific region.
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