President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to fund the U.S. Interstate Highway System (IHS) on June 29, 1956. This move satisfied a decades-old dream of uniting the nation from “sea to shining sea.” It also killed a couple of birds with one stone. First, it provided escape routes for Americans should the Cold War deteriorate into a nuclear conflict. Second, it let Eisenhower capitalize on lessons learned from Europe’s Autobahn and the First Transcontinental Motor Convoy.
Eisenhower’s efforts birthed Route 66, one of the niftiest developments to hit post-World War II America. And it sparked a car-culture wildfire that continues to burn today. Think Fast and Furious, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Ford v Ferrari.
But scientists recently revealed America has nothing on Mesoamerica regarding the first superhighways. Here’s what you need to know about the ancient transportation network that once united 400+ Maya cities.
All Roads Lead to El Mirador
The sophistication of some ancient Mesoamerican civilizations continues to astound researchers. One of their most recent discoveries could rewrite Mexico’s early history. All roads lead figuratively and literally to Guatemala’s El Mirador jungle.
There, LiDAR (light, detection, and ranging) technology has uncovered 417 Maya cities dating to 1000 B.C. and interconnected with 110 miles of superhighways. Richard Hansen of Idaho State University explains, “We now know that the Preclassic period was one of extraordinary complexity and architectural sophistication, with some of the largest buildings in world history being constructed during this time.”
@worldeconomicforum This could have been the world’s first highway network. Tap the link in our bio for more #ancient #history #mayan #civilisation #mexico #guatemala ♬ original sound – World Economic Forum
That’s a nice way of saying these discoveries have upturned what we know about Maya Civilization. Until recently, the Maya were considered nomadic, pre-agrarian hunter-gatherers in 1000 B.C. But their vast cities and interconnecting highways point to massive, complicated public works projects centuries before Eisenhower was a twinkle in his mother’s eye. Hansen elaborates, “[These discoveries reveal] a whole volume of human history that we’ve never known.”
Archaeology’s Disruptor: LiDAR Tech
Before LiDAR technology, Mesoamerican researchers relied on hand-drawn renderings to map out places of perceived historical importance. But LiDAR has changed the game since its first introduction in 2015. To say the pre-LiDAR drawings left much to be desired is an understatement.
LiDAR has helped researchers map out vast complexes featuring reservoirs, platforms, pyramids, dams, and ball courts. These discoveries have ramped up the learning curve when it comes to how the Maya interacted and structured themselves politically and socially. But how do the 417 cities and superhighways in the jungles of El Mirador compare to other ancient sites worldwide?
Enrique Hernández of San Carlos University in Guatemala City argues these discoveries will prove as groundbreaking as the Egyptian pyramids. Having spent the last two decades excavating at El Mirador, he’s got the knowledge to back up his claims. LiDAR represents just the kind of disruptive technology that archaeology needs. One that’s already contributed exponentially to pinpointing 3,000-year-old Maya superhighways and cities.
Once upon a time, it took a decade to locate a mere 50 important jungle sites. Now, more than 900 settlements have been identified with significant historical repercussions. Most people are familiar with the adage, “All roads lead to Rome.” But the ancient Italian empire remained in its infancy in 1000 B.C. Perhaps, the more apt phrase would be, “All roads lead to El Mirador.”
By Engrid Barnett, contributor for Ripleys.com