In 2020, scientists flew over a thick forest in southeast Mexico.
They used special laser light called LiDAR. It can see land shapes under trees.
The scan showed a very large, ancient platform. The place is named Aguada Fénix.
The builders made the platform 3,050 years ago. They used packed earth, not stone.
The main area is in the shape of a cross. In the middle is a small cross pit with green jade and bright shells.
The long east-west road lines up with sunrise on October 17 and February 24. These days are special in the 260-day Maya calendar.
Archaeologists found no statues of kings and no big palaces at the site.
They think more than 1,000 people came each year to build and to hold ceremonies. They did the work together, not by force.
Aguada Fénix is older and bigger than later Maya cities that have stone pyramids like Tikal. It shows early Maya groups could make huge projects while staying equal.