Archaeologists discover unique Mayan-like structure in Veracruz

Archaeologists in Veracruz, Mexico, have unearthed a unique structure and an unprecedented monolith exhibiting Mayan-like characteristics, dating back to the Early Classic period (200-600 AD).

President Claudia Sheinbaum has acknowledged the discovery's significance, pledging government funding for its research and preservation. The find, located in Coatepec, includes a platform with circular stones, unlike any previously discovered in the region. Alongside the platform, a 1.88-meter-tall stele was found, featuring a symbolic scene.

Archaeologists Lino Espinoza García and Alberto Vázquez described the platform's circular stones as a novel feature. The stele, weighing 2.5 tons, depicts two figures appearing to receive a liquid, possibly water, from a "jícara" (gourd). Espinoza suggested this imagery might relate to a period of drought in the region, highlighting the presence of an elite figure with Mayan traits.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) confirmed the structure's unique attributes, noting they are not typical of the region and have not been previously recorded. The discovery adds a new layer to the understanding of ancient cultures in Veracruz, prompting further investigation into its origins and connections.