Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery in Guatemala. They uncovered a nearly 3,000-year-old Mayan city named Los Abuelos, which means "The Grandparents" in Spanish. This ancient site, dating back to around 800 to 500 BC, is one of the earliest ceremonial centers of the Maya civilization in the Petén region of Guatemala.
The city spans about six square miles and features impressive structures, including pyramids, sacred sanctuaries, and monuments decorated with distinct regional designs. The site was named after two human-like rock figures thought to represent an ancestral couple.
This groundbreaking find was the result of collaborative efforts by Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists, along with international experts, in a largely unexplored area of Uaxactun Park. Among the artifacts unearthed, some dating from 500 to 300 BC, are believed to be linked to ancient rituals and ancestor worship.
Officials from Guatemala’s culture ministry highlighted the historical importance of Los Abuelos. They stated that the city provides valuable insights into the Mayan civilization, which flourished from around 2000 BC and peaked between 400 and 900 AD across present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.
In addition to Los Abuelos, researchers also discovered a 108-foot pyramid at nearby sites. This pyramid has two preserved rooms at its peak adorned with murals depicting symbolic scenes. They also found unique water canals inside a palace at these adjacent dig sites.
This set of discoveries forms what officials are calling a previously unknown urban triangle. These findings could change how we understand the ceremonial and political organization of pre-Hispanic Petén. The excitement surrounding this discovery reflects the ongoing interest in the rich history of the Maya civilization and its contributions to the cultural heritage of Central America.
