More than 9000 Architectural Remains on the Mayan Train Route

The INAH and the Ministry of Culture continue to work to ensure that they are preserved. More than 9000 Architectural Remains on the Mayan Train Route.

In the progress of the Mayan Train project, specifically on front 4 of Section 7, a total of 9,699 archaeological remains have been discovered, making it the area with the largest number of records.

This stretch, which spans from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, to Escárcega, Campeche, has revealed a rich history hidden under the dense vegetation of the jungle.

Archaeological Finds in Section 7

Archaeologist Luis Alfredo Núñez Soto, member of the prospecting team of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), reported that among the findings are 4,513 foundations with a core, 1,103 simple foundations, 709 albarradas, 657 terraces, 486 basements, 392 levels , 339 walkways, 326 composite foundations, 77 alignments, 43 foundations with parapets, 21 chultunes, 17 haltunes or pans, 15 rejoyadas, three platforms and two buk’te’s.

These discoveries allow us to propose new hypotheses about the life and organization of the Mayan communities in this region.

According to the coordinator of Front 4, Julieta Ramos Pacheco, the terrace systems indicate extensive agricultural activity, implying the existence of groups specialized in modifying the landscape to improve crop soils.

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More than 9000 Architectural Remains on the Mayan Train Route

Importance of the Discoveries

The more than 600 terraces found suggest that these areas were used for planting, and the surplus production probably supplied large urban centers such as Calakmul.

These findings not only reveal the sophistication of agricultural techniques, but also the social and economic structure of the Mayan communities, showing a clear stratification and labor organization.

Archaeologist Manuel Eduardo Pérez Rivas, responsible for the archaeological rescue of the Mayan Train, explained that the research process follows a rigorous protocol divided into seven stages: prospecting, single record, excavation, protection measures, recovery, database and analysis.

This meticulous approach guarantees the correct identification, recording and preservation of the remains found.

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More than 9000 Architectural Remains on the Mayan Train Route

Archaeological Research Process

During the survey, monuments and material remains on the surface are identified and cleaned. Subsequently, a detailed record of the characteristics of each monument is made.

The excavation allows us to investigate the form, function and temporality of the remains, recovering fragments of lithic tools, ceramics, obsidian, flint, anthropomorphic figures, fragments of human bone and bowls that could be associated with offerings.

Finally, the stages of protection, recovery, database registration and analysis ensure that all archaeological materials are safeguarded and adequately studied for future research.

This not only enriches knowledge about the region’s pre-Hispanic past, but also preserves this cultural heritage for future generations.

Hypotheses about Mayan Life

The findings on front 4 of Section 7 of the Mayan Train offer a more detailed vision of the daily life of the Mayan communities.

The terraces and other vestiges suggest a high degree of specialization in agriculture and water management, aspects crucial for the sustainability of these communities.

Furthermore, the foundations and basements found indicate the existence of residential and possibly ceremonial structures, reflecting a complex social and economic organization.

The archaeologist Eduardo Cabrera Arenas highlighted the importance of the terraces, since they allowed the recovery of various archaeological materials that provide clues about the life and practices of these communities.

These findings are essential to better understand the history and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the region.

More than 9000 Architectural Remains on the Mayan Train Route

The Mayan Train project not only seeks to improve infrastructure and connectivity in southeastern Mexico, but is also contributing significantly to the discovery and preservation of the country’s archaeological heritage.

The findings in Section 7 highlight the importance of archeology in infrastructure projects and the valuable knowledge that can be obtained about pre-Hispanic civilizations.

INAH, together with the Ministry of Culture, continues to work hard to ensure that these discoveries are properly preserved and studied, enriching the cultural heritage and historical understanding of Mexico.