Скачать или смотреть This Lost City of the Maya Holds the Tallest Pyramid in the Americas

In the jungles of Guatemala, shrouded in mist and thick foliage, lies a place called El Mirador. Unlike the grand Mayan cities like Chichen Itza or Tikal, El Mirador remained largely unknown for centuries, swallowed by the embrace of the rainforest. It wasn't until 1962 that a young American researcher named Ian Graham, armed with a map and a thirst for exploration, stumbled upon a sight that would rewrite Mayan history.

Graham, then a graduate student, wasn't looking for a lost city. He was on a mission to document lesser-known Mayan sites. But his map, a sketch drawn by a local trader, hinted at something more significant hidden deep within the Petén jungle. Hacking his way through dense undergrowth, Graham emerged into a clearing, and there it stood – a colossal pyramid, dwarfing any Mayan structure he had ever seen.

This was El Mirador's central pyramid, La Danta. Towering over 72 meters (or 236 feet), it was the tallest man-made structure in the Americas for over 2,000 years, predating even the iconic Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza. Further exploration revealed a sprawling metropolis, with vast plazas, intricate sculptures, and a complex system of reservoirs and canals. El Mirador, it turned out, wasn't just a forgotten city; it was a powerful center that thrived during the Preclassic Maya period between 1000 BC and 250 AD.

Remarkably, El Mirador is home to around 35 "triadic" structures - large platforms with 3 pyramids on top. Standing tall among these wonders are El Tigre and La Danta. El Tigre reaches an impressive 55 meters (or 180 feet). La Danta, however, dwarfs it being the 6th tallest pyramid in the world. It is considered one of the world's largest pyramids due to its total volume and the massive platform it's built on. Another little known, impressive structure is the 48-meter tall Los Monos complex. Originally, these structures were decorated with stone facings and stucco masks of Mayan gods.

The discovery of El Mirador challenged existing theories about Mayan civilization. Previously, archaeologists believed the Maya culture developed gradually, with cities like Tikal and Calakmul rising to prominence later. El Mirador's grandeur suggested a more complex picture. Here was evidence of a sophisticated, highly organized society that predated the rise of the classic Maya period.

Excavations at El Mirador are ongoing, hampered by the dense jungle and limited resources. Yet, every discovery adds another piece to the puzzle. The city's sheer size, intricate hydraulic systems, and elaborate ceremonial centers paint a picture of a powerful and innovative civilization.

Although El Mirador's remote location keeps it shrouded in mystery, its towering pyramids and hidden plazas stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Maya. Beneath the jungle canopy, this ancient city whispers forgotten stories, waiting for future generations to unearth them.

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