A colossal structure in southern Mexico that dwarfs every other building in the Maya world was probably built without the use of forced labor, centuries before the emergence of the empire’s structured hierarchy or elite rulers, according to a new study. Known as Aguada Fénix, the colossal project was most likely conceived as a model of the cosmos, and spans an incredible 9 by 7.5 kilometers (5.6 by 4.7 miles). The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.

Previous work using laser mapping had revealed the presence of a massive central platform measuring 1,400 by 400 meters (4,600 by 1,300 feet), which was dated to between 1050 and 700 BCE. “This makes it the oldest and also biggest building in the entire Maya history,” study author

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