Unique Maya-era structure and colossal stone sculpture discovered in Mexico

Archaeologists in Mexico's eastern Veracruz state have discovered a platform with unprecedented features and a massive stone sculpture, believed to belong to the Maya civilization. President Claudia Sheinbaum described the find as 'extremely important'.

Scraper SystemJune 20, 2026, 07:47 PM

Unique Maya-era structure and colossal stone sculpture discovered in Mexico

Archaeologists have discovered a unique architectural structure and a large stone sculpture in Mexico's eastern Veracruz state, dating to the early Classic period (200-600 AD) and indicating Maya culture. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) stated that the findings possess features previously undocumented in the region.

Unique architectural platform

The discovered platform consists of a low structure decorated with rounded stones along its edges. According to INAH, this type of decoration had not been recorded in the Veracruz region until now. The structure was built from limestone slabs and adorned with square-like shapes.

INAH archaeologist and site coordinator Lino Espinosa García said, "This is a unique discovery, there is nothing like it." Another archaeologist, Alberto Vásquez, described the structure as 'an extraordinary building'.

Colossal stone sculpture

Another part of the discovery is a massive stone slab measuring 1.88 meters in height, 1.47 meters in width, and 22-25 centimeters in thickness. The slab bears the depiction of two figures, believed to likely belong to the Maya civilization.

Pledge of support from authorities

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the discovery as 'extremely important' and pledged that her government would allocate resources for research and restoration work related to the findings.

The discovery was made in the Campo Viejo area, within the municipality of Cuitépec in Veracruz state. Historically, Veracruz served as a crucial commercial and cultural bridge between the civilizations of Central Mexico and the Maya civilization of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Archaeological studies reveal that Maya influence, particularly in the fields of art, architecture, and sculpture, is evident in this region. This new discovery is of great importance for understanding the spread of Maya culture beyond its main centers during the early Classic period.

Unique Maya-era structure and colossal stone sculpture discovered in Mexico