Link to Nature paper. It's pretty amazing that they were creating these massive constructions 3,000 years ago, not to honor their priests or kings, but for communal purposes, through voluntary...
There were no signs of sculptures depicting high-status individuals, suggesting Maya culture at this early stage was more communal and only later developed social inequality and a hierarchical society led by royalty, the researchers said.
It's pretty amazing that they were creating these massive constructions 3,000 years ago, not to honor their priests or kings, but for communal purposes, through voluntary labor (probably). Imagine what we could do today in a more egalitarian society - probably the same things we are already doing, except serving the needs and desires of far more of us than what we're currently doing.
I'm fascinated by massive earthworks. They're not as impressive to look at today as stone pyramids, because over time, they assume the appearance of natural landscapes. But if you were transported back in time to the height of this temple's time, I bet it would be just as awe-inspiring.
Link to Nature paper.
It's pretty amazing that they were creating these massive constructions 3,000 years ago, not to honor their priests or kings, but for communal purposes, through voluntary labor (probably). Imagine what we could do today in a more egalitarian society - probably the same things we are already doing, except serving the needs and desires of far more of us than what we're currently doing.
I'm fascinated by massive earthworks. They're not as impressive to look at today as stone pyramids, because over time, they assume the appearance of natural landscapes. But if you were transported back in time to the height of this temple's time, I bet it would be just as awe-inspiring.