ancient Mesoamerica

For the first time, Portugal returns looted archaeological artifacts to Mexico. Credit: INAH.

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For the First Time, Portugal Returns Stolen Pre-Hispanic Treasures to Mexico

18 February 2026

In a landmark act of cultural cooperation, authorities in Portugal have formally returned three pre-Hispanic archaeological objects to Mexico—marking the...

A photo from the study shows archaeologists carefully marking the positions of preserved wooden posts with wire flags at the Ch’ok Ayin residential household group, documenting the precise layout of this submerged Maya salt-making compound. Credit: McKillop & Sills, 2025, Ancient Mesoamerica.

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Maya Salt-Making Compound Found Preserved Underwater in Belize Reveals Secrets of “Invisible Sites”

19 October 2025

The discovery of a Maya salt-making compound preserved beneath the mangrove peat of southern Belize is transforming our understanding of...

Map showing the Scorpion Mound in Mexico’s Tehuacán Valley, with the probable solar paths during the summer and winter solstices indicated. The alignment suggests the mound functioned as a seasonal observatory. Credit: J. Neely et al., Ancient Mesoamerica (2025)

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Ancient 200-Foot Scorpion-Shaped Mound in Mexico May Have Been a Solstice Observatory

11 October 2025

Archaeologists in Mexico have uncovered a mysterious 200-foot-long earthen mound carved in the shape of a scorpion — a remarkable...

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Archaeologists uncover 4,000-year-old earliest large-scale Archaic fish-trapping facility recorded in ancient Mesoamerica

28 November 2024

Archaeologists, using drones and Google Earth imagery, have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what is now Belize...