Scientists discover 'impossible' ancient Mayan city in remote jungle
It feels like every day there’s a science story that comes along ready to blow our tiny minds, and today is no exception. A series of ancient interconnected cities have been discovered in the remote El Mirador jungle Guatemala, and it’s changing our entire understanding of the ancient civilisation. More than 400 settlements have been uncovered with some dating back as far as 1,000 BC. They’re linked by roads too, and it’s led them to be described as “the first freeway system in the world”. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Richard Hansen, a research professor at the University of Idaho, is an expert on the project and he’d called the findings a “game-changer”. It was previously thought that the Mayan peoples were nomadic, but these cities have changed the scientific community’s understanding. Speaking to the Washington Post, Hansen said: "We now know that the Preclassic period was one of extraordinary complexity and architectural sophistication, with some of the largest buildings in world history being constructed during this time.” On top of the 110 miles of interconnected roads, the discoveries also showed evidence of organised agriculture and even hydraulic systems. The findings are the result of work which first began in 2015, which saw lidar technology uncovered signs of ancient structures below the surface. Archaeologist Enrique Hernández, from San Carlos University said about the findings: “Now there are more than 900 [settlements]… We [couldn’t] see that before. It was impossible,” he said. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00
Jenna Ortega sparks fierce debate among fans after being spotted smoking
Fans of the actress Jenna Ortega have been left upset after footage emerged that appeared to show her smoking. The 20-year-old is well-known for her role portraying gothic teen Wednesday in the Netflix series of the same name, gaining a large and passionate fanbase online. But, some of her fans were left saddened when a video began circulating online showing Ortega smoking a cigarette, sparking a debate among Twitter users. The clip was shared by @wstgoat7 and appeared to show Ortega leaning against a wall and smoking while in conversation with someone. She had her hair tied back and sunglasses on her head while also clutching a handbag. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter It has been viewed almost 30 million times and ignited some strong feelings among her fans, many of whom have grown up with the former child actress on their screens in shows such as the Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle. One disappointed person replied to the video: “Yeah she’s off the roster.” Another said: “Major turn off.” But, others were more concerned by the fact that people were so shocked and concerned that a grown adult woman was doing something totally legal. Someone urged: “Stop infantilizing Jenna, anyways is that the Miu Miu Nappa leather pocket bag? She has good taste.” “Twitter users when their fav actor, who is an adult, does an adult thing,” pointed out someone else. For others, the Ortega smoking discourse reminded them of the moment One Direction fans discovered band member Zayn Malik smoked and launched a campaign in 2012 to urge him to quit. Amid the Ortega controversy, fans urged others not to put public figures and celebrities on a pedestal that they never asked to be on. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00
'Woke BS': Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' live-action reboot slammed for 'wokery' and storyline changes
Halle Bailey's portrayal of Ariel received praise but critics questioned the changes made to the original story
1970-01-01 08:00
Twitter Withdraws From EU Disinformation Code, Commissioner Says
Twitter exited the voluntary European Union’s Code of Practice on Disinformation, the bloc’s Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton
1970-01-01 08:00
China, South Korea agree to strengthen talks on chip industry - Chinese commerce ministry
BEIJING China and South Korea have agreed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on semiconductor industry supply chains, amid
1970-01-01 08:00
Elizabeth Olsen speaks out against Marvel Studios as she advises actors against signing multi-movie deal
Elizabeth Olsen has been playing Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in the MCU since 2015
1970-01-01 08:00
'I want you to make love to me': Tina Turner's memoir unveils intensely sexual start to romantic journey with much younger husband Erwin Bach
Throughout Tina Turner's health challenges, her husband Erwin Bach stood by her side as a pillar of strength
1970-01-01 08:00
Ukraine Recap: Security Official Says Offensive ‘Ready to Begin’
Ukraine’s bid to retake occupied territory in the nation’s east and southeast is “ready to begin” and could
1970-01-01 08:00
A look at Bella Thorne's dating history as actress engaged to entrepreneur Mark Emms
Bella Thorne was previously engaged to Italian musician Benjamin Mascolo
1970-01-01 08:00
Elizabeth Olsen warns future Marvel actors about franchise deals
Elizabeth Olsen has warned actors to only sign up for one Marvel movie at a time, in order to retain creative control.
1970-01-01 08:00
Lush Wheat Fields Across Europe Are Keeping Food Costs in Check
As extreme weather wreaks havoc on crops in the Americas and North Africa, Europe’s breadbasket is thriving, with
1970-01-01 08:00
UK Army Officers Forced Electric Shock Treatment on Gay Soldiers
Gay British soldiers were subjected to electric shock treatment in an effort to “cure” them of their homosexuality,
1970-01-01 08:00
