An 1,800-Year-Old Maya City: Does Its Legacy Still Echo Today?
A new study on ancient Maya cities warns that archaeologists may face danger as a ghostly threat that once harmed the ancient inhabitants rises again when disturbed. According to research recently published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Environmental Science, deep within the soil and sediments of ancient Maya cities lies a significant amount of mercury—enough to pose a serious risk to modern archaeologists. This contamination stems from the Maya’s ritualistic and practical use of mercury-related materials, including the strikingly beautiful red cinnabar powder, a symbol of imperial power. The most intense mercury pollution occurred between 250 and 1100 AD,...
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