A couple years ago I learned about how Mayan ruins which were previously unknown to archaeologists are now being discovered with satellite remote sensing techniques. The geologist in me thinks this is really cool. Basically, the limestone buildings they constructed has affected the vegetation that has grown on top of the buildings. That vegetation stands out from the rest of the jungle when viewed in infrared. The videos below both discuss the first discovery of this technique, and hint that this technique could be used to discover many more sites. This obviously is exciting because the Nephites and Lamanites were part of the Maya civilization.
NOVA video: here
National Geographic Video: here
NASA article: here
Maps (thanks to Larry P.): here
What makes you say that, James?
I should have guessed someone would ask about that. I’m partial to Sorenson’s Mesoamerica limited geography theory. I guess I could have been more careful and said “This is obviously exciting because the Nephites and Lamanites may have been part of the Maya civilization”.
I’m partial to Sorenson’s theory too, but positing a Mesoamerican saying is not the same thing as saying that Nephites and Lamanites were part of the Mayan civilization.
Jon,
How would you describe the relationship that the Lehites had to the Maya? Perhaps this is just an issue of semantics. I’d have to dig it up, but I’m sure I’ve read Brant Gardner say something on MADB to the effect that the Lehites participated in the Maya culture. Maybe that is a better way of putting it.
Very interesting, had never heard of this. I’m sure this will help aracheology and find many more sites.
When I first read the title of this post, I thought it said “Mayan Ruins Detected via Remove Viewing.” A successful use of ESP would certainly be headline worthy! :-)