Czech-Slovak team discovers ancient Mayan city Yax Balam using AI technology

The city discovered spreads over four square miles and, according to the archaeologists, flourished between 850 B.C.E. and 150 C.E. providing a regional hub for roughly a thousand years. The archaeologists have named the city Yax Balam, which translates to 'First Jaguar.' The jaguar is a powerful symbol in the Mayan culture, associated with the underworld and religion.

Subsequent excavations unearthed palaces, statues, remnants of rituals, astronomical observatories, and other objects. The Czech Neuron Science Funding Foundation, which financed the project, considers these findings extremely significant as they could shed light on the yet unexplained and pivotal stages of Mayan history.

The expedition was spearheaded by the Czech researchers Ladislav Szilhan and Milan Kovacz, along with the head of the Center for Mesoamerican Studies at Comenius University in Bratislava. Czech archaeologist Sara Polak, an expert in applying artificial intelligence technology to historical research, was also part of the special team.

The expedition succeeded in documenting seven chief architectural districts in the city of Yax Balam. It also discovered and mapped two other smaller Mayan cities.

Artificial intelligence, neural networks, and digital data from LiDAR aerial photographs played a significant role in the expedition. This laser technology enabled the mapping of surface features and unveiled buildings, palaces, or urban complexes. The neural networks then sought out intriguing objects directly using selected algorithms, with these findings later confirmed by field excavations and archaeological studies.

Currently, experts are analyzing and processing the gathered materials to recreate the lifestyle of the Mayan civilization.