Valeriana: PhD Student Discovers Lost Maya Megacity
Archaeological LiDAR reanalysis of overlooked forest carbon data reveals Valeriana, a monumental Maya metropolis with pyramids and a ballcourt hidden beneath Campeche's jungle. Swipe to see →
VALERIANA: PHD STUDENT DISCOVERS LOST MAYA
The landmark paper formalizing the discovery was published to worldwide acclaim in the prestigious scientific journal Antiquity, published by Cambridge University Press.
THE GOOGLE SEARCH ACCIDENT
The origin story of Valeriana represents one of the most compelling triumphs of open science and methodical curiosity in contemporary research.
FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY IN THE SKY
LiDAR technology has accomplished for modern archaeology what the space telescope achieved for astrophysics: making visible what optical physics previously concealed from human sight.
MONUMENTAL ARCHITECTURE
The densest urban settlement identified within the survey is the ancient metropolis of Valeriana, which spans a continuous residential footprint of 16.6 square kilometers.
LOWLAND HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
A central question regarding ancient urban life in Campeche centers on water governance.