Researchers from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have discovered an ancient highway that connected the once prosperous Mayan cities of Uxmal and Caba. The road, built more than 1,300 years ago in 700 AD, was discovered using drones equipped with lidar.
This ancient road is considered the main artery that connected the two great Mayan cities for almost 250 years until 950 AD. As the Mayan civilization flourished, this highway became an integral part of the trade and cultural connections between Uxmal and Kaba.
The discovery of this road was made possible thanks to lidar scanning technology. LiDAR (short for laser remote sensing and detection) used lasers to scan more than 470 acres of jungle, revealing the outlines of long-lost structures, earthen roads and even details of structures hidden under dense vegetation.
For a long time, little was known about the existence of this highway. It was believed that it was part of an extensive network of roads and paths, but its actual extent and significance were unknown until now.
The cities of Uxmal and Caba attract tourists and scientists with their unique architecture and historical significance. The discovery of this ancient highway provides archaeologists with a unique opportunity to study the life of the great Mayan civilization.