Newly published research shows just how pervasive mercury—an essential element in the red cinnabar pigment favoured by the Maya—is at the site in Guatemala

Archaeologists have used light-detection and ranging (Lidar) technology to uncover new findings about ancient Maya Lowland settlements

An international research team performed genetic testing on 64 children's skeletons, debunking some longstanding myths about Maya religious sacrifices

The discovery, at the ancient site of Ucanal, is believed to reflect a political regime change in the 8th or 9th century

The artefact is the latest archaeological marvel unearthed during the construction of the controversial Maya Train project

The cavern’s entrance had been concealed by a boulder that appears to have pinned an unfortunate person to the spot when it was installed

Many organisations, including Unesco, fear the project will negatively affect the region’s cultural heritage, natural environment and residents when it opens in December

With first leg of controversial $20bn Maya Train project set to begin operation, authorities have stepped up excavation and development of archaeological destinations

Guatemalan law prohibits the export of such artefacts for exhibition, local culture organisations say