Josh Gates Just Found HORRIFYING Recordings Of Humanity During Expedition!

It kind of unlocks the secrets of the success of this civilization. They can be dangerous, but this is also filled with beauty, sophistication, and craftsmanship. Yeah, that’s Kush; it’s got everything. Don’t mess with the Kushites. Don’t mess with the Kushites, ever.

So here at Jevel Barkle, I’ve seen two of the ancient Mayans build majestic cities like Sck Balam under the intense Mexican sun. A city that eluded many with only fragments of its past uncovered by explorers. Legends tell of terrifying creatures descending from the sky, linked to this very place. Today, the ruins rest in Chapus, shrouded in mystery and preserved by nature.

What horrifying truths has Josh Gates unearthed in this ominous location? Join us to uncover the hidden depths of Sck Balam: an expedition into lost Mayan splendors.

According to Mayan legends, celestial white jaguars would descend from the skies to consume humanity, a chilling prophecy tied to the city. In modern times, the Expedition Unknown team has set up camp in Chapus, a historical center of Mayan civilization. Here, the echoes of a 4,000-year-long prosperity resonate, embodied in the ruins of once magnificent city-states whose splendor will never be replicated.

The peace and affluence of the Mayan empire came to a sudden end with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Their insatiable greed devastated the population and dismantled the Mayan cities. By the 16th century, all but Sck Balam had succumbed. This hidden city stood as a symbol of the Mayans’ resilience and strategic genius, remaining cloaked in the shadows of folklore and guarded by devoted warriors and towering watchtowers. The encircling jungle offered a natural veil, preserving the city from invaders and the passage of time.

As Josh and his team delve deeper into their exploration, they uncover more than just physical remnants. Each artifact and each structure tells a story of a civilization that thrived through innovation and communal effort but ultimately fell victim to external conquest and internal strife. The real treasure is not merely the physical relics they unearth but the stories of ingenuity, culture, and survival that come to light, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who once walked these lands.

For over a hundred years, the elusive Mayans managed to stay hidden, using tactics that confounded intruders. In 2019, archaeologists armed with ancient maps and laser mapping technology embarked on a mission to find Sck Balam. They aimed to uncover remnants buried beneath the jungle canopy. With team members Yuko and Ruin actively digging test pits, despite their advanced tools and determined efforts, the jungle resisted their intrusion, concealing its secrets. Yet, the archaeologists were undeterred, regrouping to continue their quest. Discovering Sck Balam would not only bring professional recognition but also illuminate a significant era of Mayan history and celebrate the civilization’s ingenuity and resilience.

In another part of the jungle, Josh prepared for his own journey to Sck Balam. With only his archaeology background and a strong hope, he entered the Lacandon Jungle, a vast wilderness stretching across millions of acres in Mexico and Guatemala. His first stop was Bonampak, another ancient Mayan city once full of life. Bonampak now lay quiet, its stories buried under layers of vegetation. In time, there, Josh met Dr. Brent Woodfi, an archaeologist who had spent 10 years chasing leads on Sck Balam. Dr. Woodfi was the perfect partner for this expedition. Together, they studied old maps and documents, searching for any detail that might point them toward the lost city.

As they delved into their research, they realized how important finding Sck Balam could be. It wasn’t just about uncovering a city; it was about connecting with a past that had shaped the present landscape. Each clue they followed, each artifact they discovered, brought them closer to understanding the Mayan way of life, their struggles, and their victories. But this wasn’t the only challenge they faced. Their expedition transcended the mere search for a city. It was a tribute to a people who had mastered their environment and sustained a civilization through the ages.

The dense jungle, once a shield against invaders, now protected the Mayan legacy, challenging the team to delve deeper and honor the profound bond between the land and its ancient dwellers. Brent showed Josh around the ancient city, pointing out a statue of the last king who ruled in the late 8th century. This statue, like the lost city of Sck Balam, represented an important part of the last strongholds of Mayan civilization. This site was especially significant for the Lacandon Maya, who lived deep in the forests and spoke an ancient language directly related to the inscriptions found on the monument.

To fully understand the Mayan journey to Sck Balam, it was crucial to delve into their complex history. The Mayan civilization was famous for their advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, art, and writing. The Mayans were also fierce warriors and deeply religious, often enjoying long periods of peace and prosperity under their divine rulers. These rulers managed to build incredible structures like the Acropolis in Bonampak. During the late classic period, one could still see pictures of successful warriors from Bonampak alongside their king presenting captives, evidence of their rich cultural heritage.

But this wasn’t the end of their story. Their advancements were not limited to architecture and warfare. Their sophisticated writing system allowed future generations to document and interpret their historical and cultural stories. Despite these advancements, Mayan society faced environmental challenges and internal conflicts that eventually contributed to the decline of their empire. Yet, the Lacandon Mayans managed to outlast other city-states, preserving much of their culture and language.

But this wasn’t the only challenge they faced. One of the most fascinating features of Bonampak is a three-chamber temple on a hill. How? The world’s best-preserved Mayan murals, painted in 790 AD. These murals attract historians, revealing details about life in the classic period. They show a society where the aristocrats of Bonampak lived in harmony with their land and gods. One mural depicts a grand parade celebrating the crowning of the crown prince as the new king, filled with music and celebration.

However, this scene of prosperity and joy would not last. A few decades later, the murals in the next chamber show scenes of conflict, with Bonampak warriors triumphing over their enemies. This shift in mood reflects the changing circumstances that may have led to their societal collapse, along with other challenges like resource disputes, droughts, and hostile neighbors. But this wasn’t the only issue they had to face. In the end, the leaders of Bonampak couldn’t adapt to these changes. Over time, the Mayans abandoned their grand cities for smaller jungle villages, which were easier to manage and defend.

By the time the Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived in the 16th century, they found the Mayans living in these smaller communities, far from the glory and power of their former urban centers. This marked a significant transformation from a vibrant urban civilization to a more spread-out rural way of life, fundamentally changing the course of Mayan history. As we peel back history’s layers, we dive into the Spaniards’ arrival and their impact on the Maya, tracing the Spaniards’ legacy.

When the Spaniards arrived in what they called the “New World,” they brought powerful weapons like steel swords, muskets, and cannons. They also carried diseases like smallpox, which the native people had never faced before and which caused devastating losses. Despite these immense challenges, the Mayans resisted the invaders with fierce determination. Among these, the Lacandon Maya stood out for their strategic retreat deep into the jungle to a place called Sck Balam. They were experts in guerrilla tactics, using their knowledge of the dense forests to evade capture. Nevertheless, in 1695, a conquistador named Nicholas de Valenzuela managed to find Sck Balam and took control of it. He and his forces occupied the city for 10 years before abandoning it, allowing it to slip back into obscurity and be reclaimed by the jungle, where it remained untouched for centuries.

But this wasn’t the end of their story. Their search for Sck Balam began in 2019. They worked with a colleague who combined historical Spanish colonial records and modern technology to pinpoint the location of Sck Balam. They analyzed old Spanish maps and descriptions of the area’s landmarks and rivers, helping to narrow their search. Additionally, they used LIDAR technology, which uses laser light to map the ground beneath even the thickest canopy, revealing any hidden structures.

They set off for Chapus, a region historically rich but also marked by recent conflict, including the Zapatista Rebellion of 1994. Despite the cooled tensions, the area remained dangerous due to various factions, including remnants of the rebellion, government forces, and criminal gangs. Their ultimate goal was to reach Lake Isbo, where another team member from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History had important information. But this wasn’t their only challenge.

They believed they had a critical tool: a map stored in the Archive of the Indies in Seville, Spain. This archive holds many documents detailing Spanish colonial activities in the Americas. This particular map was created by Diego Derivas, a friar who had been tasked with converting the indigenous people to Catholicism during his time in Sck Balam. Before leaving, he documented his journey from Sck Balam to a town near a lake in Guatemala. This map was more than a wayfinding tool; it held clues to the forgotten city of Sck Balam.

Studying the map, they deciphered landmarks and routes that Diego had taken, which allowed them to refine their search area significantly. Armed with this new information, they planned their expedition route with precision, knowing which landmarks were crucial and estimating the travel time between points. But this wasn’t their final obstacle. Their quest gained momentum when they received a call from a park ranger who believed he had found ruins that matched descriptions of Sck Balam within their designated search area. Meeting the ranger meant traveling 120 miles through an area known for drug trafficking, adding danger to their journey.

They faced their first major hurdle: a precarious bridge they had to cross to continue their quest. After navigating challenging terrain, they arrived at the ranger’s outpost, where they met Ephren Guzmán Gómez, a naturalist and ranger who might have discovered the crucial piece of the puzzle on Diego’s map. With Ephren’s guidance, they ventured further into Montes Aulas Biosphere Reserve, piecing together clues and following leads that brought them ever closer to uncovering the location of Sck Balam.

Determined and undeterred by the harsh conditions and potential dangers, they pressed on, eager to uncover the history hidden within the dense jungle. They decided to shorten their journey to Ephren’s discovery by traveling upriver. Ephren led them to his site, where they planned to camp and investigate further. Following the river system marked on Don Diego’s map, they headed towards Sck Balam. With additional clues like the map and Ephren’s recollections of seeing man-made structures, they felt more hopeful as they moved forward.

Brent was surprised when they suddenly entered a clearing. Before them lay a valley, just as Valenzuela had described it, with cool, refreshing air that confirmed they were in the northern part of the valley. Filled with excitement, the group, led by Ephren, continued to the spot where he had previously seen signs of ancient human presence. But this wasn’t the only surprise waiting for them during their trek. With researchers Brent Woodfi and Ulaada, they stumbled upon what seemed to be a tomb. Inside, there were signs of valuable Mayan artifacts, possibly ceremonial jewels. Although it appeared that the tomb had been looted in the past, finding such a structure was still a crucial discovery. This sparked their curiosity further, leading them to speculate that more discoveries might be hidden nearby.

The team began to suspect that they had finally found the ruins of the city of the white jaguar. Brent mentioned that he had a crew in San Cristal equipped with lighter scanners, ready to assist in confirming their findings. They were also aware of Ephren, a professional archaeologist specializing in this period, who could join them soon. But this wasn’t the end of their challenges.

After locating a suitable area, Brent used a satellite phone to send their GPS coordinates to his lighter team to help them find the campsite. As the archaeologists prepared for a detailed excavation, Josh Gates joined a small group with the lighter team, setting up a sophisticated device: a multi-hexacopter equipped with LIDAR technology. With such advanced tools, they hoped to uncover hidden details that had been lost for centuries.

The Valenzuela records mention three large mounds at the center of the site, which originally had communal houses with mud walls and thatched roofs. After examining these mounds, the team decided to explore other parts of the site. Meanwhile, Yukon and Ruben were busy digging test trenches and came across fascinating items. But this wasn’t the only intriguing discovery.

They found a flat piece of limestone, neatly carved and shaped much like a modern floor tile. Limestone was commonly used by the Maya for both flooring and sometimes walls, indicating their advanced building skills. Discovering such materials here offered a glimpse into how the Maya constructed their cities and managed their architectural feats. Among other artifacts, the team discovered earthenware that they believed dated back to the post-classic period. This pottery provided vital insights into the culture and period of the people who once lived there.

But the discoveries didn’t stop there. Among the items unearthed was a piece of obsidian, a volcanic glass often used by ancient civilizations for making sharp tools and weapons. This find was particularly intriguing because it hinted at trade or craft activities that were essential to the Mayan way of life.

With ancient echoes around us, we’re on the brink of uncovering even deeper secrets beneath the jungle. The white jaguar revealed as they continued to dig and assess their finds, their confidence grew that they had indeed located the place they sought. The presence of post-classic pottery and this rare obsidian blade underscored the significance of this site in Maya history. Every piece they unearthed made it harder to piece together the lives of those who once roamed Mexico’s Chapus jungles.

But this wasn’t the most surprising find yet. As they delved deeper, using lighter data, they mapped out the suspected Maya city of Sck Balam. They found mounds on the valley floor, each about 7 m by 7 m, the perfect size for Maya homes and rectangular structures about 10 m by 10 m at top ridgetops, likely used as lookout stations. These provided clear views across the valley to the south. They noted more rectangular shapes and elevated platforms, suggesting a protective perimeter around the community.

But this wasn’t the end of their discoveries. In the dense bush, they uncovered the largest structure yet, about 34 m long. Nearby, three other significant structures, each about 36 m long, matched the historical descriptions noted centuries ago by the conquistadors. These findings suggested a bustling society, challenging the idea that this was just a remote, thinly populated area. Instead, they painted a picture of a thriving community engaged in significant construction efforts.

But this wasn’t the only clue to the city’s past. The resemblance of these findings to the legendary Sck Balam was striking. The fact that such structures had been hidden under thick vegetation emphasized their importance. It was as if the mythical white jaguar of Sck Balam had finally stepped out into the open, revealing its secret.

Their discoveries sparked immense interest and excitement as they gradually unveiled the layers of an ancient society that once flourished deep in the jungle. The massive structures they found shed new light on the complexity and craftsmanship of the people who lived here. The journey to uncover Sck Balam had been fraught with challenges, but the resilience of this civilization had kept its legacy hidden from those who had long sought it.

But their journey was far from over. After weeks of reviewing LIDAR data, the team’s efforts bore fruit. The laser scanning revealed even more hidden structures, including pre-classic buildings and what appeared to be a pyramid. “Did we just find a lost city?” they wondered aloud as they discovered vast terraces likely used for residences and a huge structure on a ridge that seemed to feature an altar at one end.

If this was indeed Sck Balam, it marked a discovery of the century. Now, it was crucial to confirm these findings on the ground. This meant conducting detailed excavations to learn more about these hidden features, a vital step in preserving this last piece of undiscovered history. Although Sck Balam was abandoned, the conquistadors had never truly eradicated the Maya civilization. It continued to live on through the people, their traditions, their history, and places like this, deeply intertwined with the rainforest.

This discovery reaffirmed the enduring legacy of the Maya. Their deep connection to their land and nature had safeguarded their heritage from being completely erased. This site was a testament to their unmatched skill and enduring Spirit a story of resilience and Beauty uncovered by the dedicated team of expedition unknown could the discovery of sack balum change our understanding of Mayan civilization as we know it like comment your thoughts and subscribe for more