Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a nearly 3,000-year-old Maya city, named “Los Abuelos,” deep within the northern jungles of Guatemala’s Petén department. This significant discovery, announced by the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture and Sports on May 29, 2025, reveals a complex ceremonial center dating back to the Middle Preclassic period (approximately 800–500 BCE).
Discovery and Significance
Located about 21 kilometers (13 miles) from the well-known archaeological site of Uaxactun, Los Abuelos spans an area of approximately 16 square kilometers (6 square miles). The site features monumental architecture, including pyramids and plazas, indicative of its importance as a ceremonial hub in ancient Maya civilization.
The city derives its name, “The Grandparents,” from two anthropomorphic sculptures discovered at the site. These figures, dating between 500 and 300 BCE, are believed to represent an ancestral couple, suggesting practices of ancestor worship prevalent during that era.
Architectural Features
Among the notable structures is a 33-meter-high (108 feet) pyramid adorned with murals from the Preclassic period. Additionally, archaeologists identified a unique canal system, indicating advanced urban planning and water management techniques employed by the ancient inhabitants.
The discovery was made by a collaborative team of Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists exploring previously uncharted areas within the Uaxactun park. Their findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that challenges previous assumptions about the complexity and reach of early Maya urban centers.
Broader Context
This revelation adds to recent archaeological discoveries in the region that have reshaped understanding of Maya civilization’s development. For instance, in April 2025, a 1,000-year-old altar from Mexico’s ancient Teotihuacan culture was found at Tikal, another significant Maya site in Petén. Such findings underscore the extensive cultural and political interactions among Mesoamerican civilizations.
The unearthing of Los Abuelos offers valuable insights into the early ceremonial practices and societal structures of the Maya. As excavations continue, researchers anticipate that further study of the site will enhance comprehension of the region’s pre-Hispanic history and the evolution of complex societies in ancient Mesoamerica.
