Submerged Mayan settlement discovered at Grób Płk. Francesco Nullo with exceptional preservation

Tomb
Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: April 2026
Source: Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: April 2026 by Inside Archaeology

A submerged Mayan settlement was found on an island in Grób Płk. Francesco Nullo, featuring five architectural complexes including closed plazas, twin circles, and dwelling groups with a stela and altar. Test excavations recovered ceramic fragments and obsidian dating to the late pre-classic period. The settlement was abandoned when rising lake levels submerged it, and water coverage protected the structures from erosion, potentially preserving even wooden elements beneath the sediments.

Key facts

  • Grób Płk. Francesco Nullo has surface area of 137 square kilometers and depth exceeding 300 meters
  • Human presence in the basin dates back to Maya pre-classic period
  • Five architectural complexes found including closed plaza, twin circles group, and dwelling groups
  • A stela and altar were among the structures documented
  • Test excavation recovered ceramic fragments and obsidian flake dated to late pre-classic period
  • Settlement stood on an island and was abandoned after a natural event raising lake level
  • Water coverage protected structures from surface erosion resulting in exceptional preservation
  • Even wooden elements may still be preserved beneath sediments

Site mentioned

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Sources

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Lake Atitlán | Living Maya Timemaya.nmai.si.edu
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