Archaeological evidence suggests Yaxchilan once featured an ancient bridge approximately 63 meters long, which would have been the longest bridge in the ancient world. This remarkable structure was built to handle seasonal fluctuations in the Usumacinta River, which otherwise would have isolated the city during high water periods. The bridge provided essential year-round access to farmlands and trade connections. Today only a large pile of stones remains visible on each side of the river.
Ancient 100-Meter Bridge: Longest in Ancient World
MexicoArchitectureNew Research
Key facts
- Bridge estimated about 100 meters long
- Would have been the longest bridge in the ancient world
- Constructed to address seasonal fluctuations in river levels
- Essential for year-round access to farmlands and trade connections
- River levels effectively isolated settlement during high water periods
- Bridge aligned exactly in direction of Structure 33
- Only remains visible as large pile of stones on each side of river
Site mentioned
Sources
lugares.inah.gob.mx
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