Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico have utilized advanced Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to unveil a remarkable archaeological discovery—an 18-kilometer sacbé, or “white road,” connecting the Maya cities of Uxmal and Kabah in the Puuc region of western Yucatan.
The sacbé, a raised paved road built by the Maya civilization, served as a vital link between temples, plazas, and various structures within ceremonial centers or as major highways connecting cities.
The survey conducted by INAH revealed the sacbé to be 5 meters (16 feet) wide, featuring monumental corbel arches at each end. LiDAR technology played a crucial role in this discovery, allowing researchers to create a detailed 3D digital map of the landscape by measuring ranges using pulsed laser light. This technology helped remove obscuring features and provided valuable insights into the archaeological features of the region.
The Maya cities of Uxmal and Kabah, both thriving between CE 700-950, showcased strong interactions during this period, as indicated by the sacbé. The Puuc Maya style, characterized by entwined snakes and two-headed snakes used for masks of the rain god, Chaac, was prevalent in both cities. This architectural similarity suggests a cultural and historical connection between the two Maya polities.
According to the researchers, the newly discovered sacbé played a crucial role in facilitating interactions between the people of Uxmal and Kabah during the height of their prominence.
The use of LiDAR technology has been instrumental in revolutionizing archaeology, enabling the detection of long-lost structures and road systems. In recent years, LiDAR has uncovered extensive networks, including another road connecting the Maya cities of Cobá and Yaxuná in 2020.
The technology has also revealed complex civilizations, such as a previously unknown Maya civilization with 964 interconnected settlements and 177 kilometers of ancient roads in present-day Guatemala.