Archaeologists have confirmed the presence of an ancient Maya settlement beneath Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, describing it as a rare example of a community submerged by natural forces rather than human intention. The discovery, detailed in the Journal of Maritime Archaeology, sheds new light on how environmental changes shaped early Mesoamerican life.
Researchers determined that the site qualifies as a “submerged cultural landscape,” meaning the structures were not placed underwater deliberately. Instead, rising water levels gradually covered what was once a thriving settlement. The remains date back to the Late Preclassic period, between 350 BC and AD 250, a time marked by growing complexity in Maya society.
A notable aspect of the project is the active involvement of the Tz’utujil Maya community. Descendants of the original inhabitants worked closely with an international group of scientists to design and guide the research. Community representatives oversaw each phase, ensuring that the study respected cultural values and local knowledge.
Community collaboration shapes research approach
The research team included experts from Guatemala, Mexico, Belgium, Spain, and Argentina, led by Mexican archaeologist Helena Barba-Meinecke. Before fieldwork began, all parties agreed on a shared research plan. A local diver from the Tz’utujil community received specialized training and joined underwater explorations, reflecting a collaborative approach rarely seen in similar projects.
To make findings accessible, researchers created digital tools such as 3D models of the submerged structures. These resources allowed community members to engage directly with the discoveries without needing to dive into the lake.
Locating the site proved challenging. Earlier reports pointed to a broad area of nearly six square kilometers, too large to explore efficiently. In 2022, the team used sonar technology to map approximately four square kilometers of the lakebed. This effort narrowed the search to a specific zone, enabling targeted dives.
Structures preserved beneath rising waters
Over four days, eight divers conducted systematic underwater surveys, accumulating nearly 2,400 minutes of dive time. Their work revealed five architectural groups, including homes, platforms, and carved stone monuments. Limited excavation uncovered ceramic fragments and an obsidian piece, all of which were later returned to the site in accordance with community agreements.
Sediment analysis suggests the settlement once stood on an island before being submerged by a rapid rise in water levels. Possible causes include volcanic activity, earthquakes, or intense rainfall. The waterlogged environment helped preserve the structures and may still protect organic materials buried beneath layers of sediment.
The Tz’utujil community has proposed naming the site in their own language, emphasizing its cultural and ancestral importance. Researchers plan further exploration and conservation efforts, viewing the project as a model for respectful collaboration between science and Indigenous communities.