Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) discovered the city near Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula, called Siol (or Xiol), meaning “human spirit” in the Mayan language. About 4,000 people lived there.

lost city may

The Siol flourished during the late classical period of May between 600 and 900 AD. It was first discovered in 2015, but the results of excavation and restoration work have only now been made public.

This city is important to explore in May. First, because of its impressive monumental architecture. Secondly, since it was restored despite being on private land,
– Says the president of INAH in Yucatan Arturo Chab Cardenas.

This place attracts particular attention because of its Pooh-style architecture. The Chichen Itza pyramid was built in the same style.

• The ceremonial complex of the open city consists of a platform and a small pyramid.
• Researchers also found palace ruins, squares, raised platforms, carved stone heads and stone altars.
• Near the city there is the Cenote – a natural funnel-like karst passage. It was most likely used for ritual offerings to the gods.
• Archaeologists have identified evidence for the existence of different social classes.

One of the structures discovered in the city / Photograph INAH

There were people from different walks of life: priests and clerks living in these great palaces, and ordinary people living in small buildings. We archaeologists are surprised because we did not expect to find such a well-preserved monument.
Said Carlos Perez, one of the archaeologists who led the excavations.

• Archaeologists have uncovered 38 tombs with trays in the form of pottery, obsidian ornaments and flint tools.
• New anthropological information has been discovered about the inhabitants of the Siol and their funerary customs.
• The surplus food indicates that the farmers are supplementing their diet with fish.

One of the structures discovered in the city / Photograph INAH

One of the structures discovered in the city / Photograph INAH

To date, the team has identified and restored 12 buildings, along with additional evidence of human activity in the wider area – the surrounding fields and forests.