The ancient Maya monument Aguada-Fenix turned out to be a model of the cosmos.
Scientists have determined that the largest known Maya monument — the Aguada-Fenix complex in the Mexican state of Tabasco — was created about three thousand years ago as an architectural model of the cosmos. A study published in the journal Science Advances (Sci Adv) showed that the giant structure, nearly nine kilometers long, is built in the shape of a cross — a symbol of the universe and cycles of time in ancient Mesoamerican culture.
At the center of the monument, archaeologists found two nested cross-shaped pits where offerings were buried: shells, figurines made of jade and green stone, as well as pigments — blue, green, and yellow — arranged strictly according to the cardinal directions. These findings are considered the earliest example of a symbolic connection between colors and directions, a tradition that later spread throughout Maya culture.
It is particularly noteworthy that no signs of social hierarchy were found in the complex — neither palaces nor statues of rulers. According to researchers, the grand structure, which took more than 10 million person-days to build, was constructed through communal efforts. The shared goal — to create a "map of the universe" and a place for collective rituals — united thousands of people without coercion, demonstrating that great achievements are possible without the power of kings.
Previously, scientists determined how the Maya civilization was able to predict solar eclipses with incredible accuracy long before the advent of telescopes and astronomical models. A study published in the journal Science Advances (Sci Adv) showed that the famous eclipse table from the Dresden Codex was actually a carefully calibrated system that combined knowledge of the Moon's movement with the Maya religious calendar.
Experts found that the table covers 405 lunar months — approximately 11,960 days, or 46 cycles of their 260-day ritual calendar. This coincidence allowed the Maya to harmonize lunar and solar cycles and determine the dates of eclipses with exceptional accuracy. Initially, the table served as a lunar calendar, later adapted for astrological needs.
The authors also revealed the secret of the system's longevity. Instead of starting calculations anew after completing a cycle, Maya priests created overlapping tables — each new one began 223 or 358 months before the end of the previous one. This allowed for constant correction of accumulated errors and maintained prediction accuracy for over 700 years.
Thus, ancient astronomers did not just observe the sky but created a unique mathematical model where sacred time and astronomy were closely intertwined. According to researchers, this is one of the most impressive achievements of ancient science, demonstrating how deeply the Maya understood the patterns of celestial movements.
