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[00:00.70] The archaeologists found the site under the jungle canopy in the southeastern state of Campeche by accident during an internet search.

[00:08.15] A PhD student spotted a radar survey posted by an environmental organisation that could peer through thick vegetation.

[00:16.65] Using archaeological tools, the researchers were able to see evidence of nearly 7,000 buildings and a huge city they called Valeriana.

[00:26.47] Valeriana had temple pyramids, plazas, houses, causeways and reservoirs, and may have been home to up to 50,000 people in the 9th century.

[00:36.83] Luke Auld-Thomas from Tulane University says it reveals the complexity of Mayan society.

[00:42.94] But war, climate change and the Spanish invasion led to the demise of most Mayans.

[00:48.25] Their descendants still live in the region today, their ancient cities buried beneath their feet.