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What ancient cities were discovered recently?
Recent discoveries include the ancient city of Valeriana in Campeche, Mexico, which features thousands of structures indicative of a Classic Maya political capital. Additionally, two medieval cities, Tugunbulak and Tashbulak, were uncovered in Uzbekistan's Tien Shan mountains, revealing significant urban centers that were previously unknown.
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How do these findings change our understanding of trade routes?
The discoveries in Uzbekistan suggest that Tugunbulak and Tashbulak were important centers of commerce and culture, challenging the notion that these high-altitude cities were merely peripheral settlements. This indicates a more complex network of trade routes than previously thought, highlighting the significance of these regions in ancient trade.
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What archaeological methods were used in these discoveries?
Archaeologists utilized advanced Lidar technology, which allows for the mapping of structures hidden beneath dense vegetation. This method has been crucial in uncovering nearly 6,700 structures in the Valeriana complex, revealing the density of the population and the sophistication of ancient Maya urbanization.
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What does the discovery of Valeriana mean for Maya civilization?
The discovery of Valeriana challenges previous beliefs about Maya urbanization, suggesting that the region was home to a significant political capital rather than a less populated area. This finding reshapes our understanding of the social and political dynamics of the Maya civilization during its Classic period.
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Why are these discoveries important for understanding ancient civilizations?
These discoveries are vital as they provide new insights into the complexity and interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. They highlight the importance of regions previously thought to be less significant, suggesting that our understanding of history is still evolving and that many ancient cultures were more advanced than previously recognized.