Richard Hansen: El Mirador, Sacred Pyramids of the Maya

Earth Ancients

Mirador is a critical site not only for the conservation of biodiversity, but also cultural heritage. The archaeological importance of this site was emphasized in 2021 when a 3D LiDAR survey led by Dr. Richard Hansen revealed thousands of ancient structures in 25 major cities across the landscape. Unfortunately, deforestation continues to threaten the Maya Biosphere Reserve, and its archaeological sites are threatened by looting and development. With Global Conservation’s support and matching funding from Rainforest Trust, the private nonprofit FundaEco has been working hard to stop illegal activities in Parque Nacional Mirador – Rio Azul (Mirador-Rio Azul National Park) and surrounding areas.
These efforts are being led by Francisco Asturias, Director of FundaEco Petén and the Mirador Park Rangers. These rangers are a combined team of government police and military, NGO-trained rangers, and community Ecoguards working together to stop wildlife poaching, looting of archaeological sites, illegal logging, and land clearing for cattle ranching.This land clearing is especially contentious because it supports narcotrafficking by providing a medium for money laundering, drug smuggling, and territory control.
Richard D. Hansen and Edgar Suyuc L.This book is the result of exhaustive research in the cradle of Maya civilization; the “Mirador Basin”. Dr. Hansen and Mr. Suyuc present readers with over 30 years of archaeological discoveries recovered from the depths of the Guatemalan jungle. Through vivid detail and gripping photos and graphics, Mirador tells the story of fascinating civilization of the Maya. Archaeologists Hansen and Suyuc disperse some of the mysteries surrounding the origins of Maya civilization, including the incredible rise of the Maya to a state-level empire despite the lack of nearby water sources, the enigma surrounding the construction of massive pyramids and superhighways, and the meaning behind the various works of art uncovered during excavations. Mirador invites the reader to enter the world of the ancient Maya empire guided by knowledge and expertise that only stems from true passion on behalf of the authors.
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