Archaeologists Use LIDAR to Map Jaguar City Site

Researchers identified ancient house foundations, irrigation canals, and a shrine at a site now referred to as the City of the Jaguar. A cache of objects was discovered at the center of the site, which appeared to be left during a ritual closing of the location. Government forces have stationed soldiers at the site to prevent looting following the discovery. The find includes evidence of historical infrastructure and ritualistic activity. Lidar scans provided the only existing record of the city's layout before recent rains damaged the ancient canals. Soldiers have been stationed at the site to prevent looting of the findings. The site features a large clearing, a central camp, lights, and an outdoor chapel. Archaeologists have identified a site known as Jaguar City, which serves as the sole record of the location's historical existence. Recent rainy seasons have damaged or destroyed some of the ancient canal structures. The Honduran government has deployed soldiers to the area to prevent treasure hunters from entering the site. This military presence aims to protect the location, though researchers note that unauthorized entry often results in the destruction of unmapped archaeological data. The LIDAR technology provides a critical record of the site's existence before potential physical damage occurs.