The Mayans were a civilisation known for their architecture, mathematics and astronomical beliefs, who date back to as far as 2000BC. Many of their impressive constructions can still be seen in the jungles of southeast Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and western parts of Honduras. Even to this day, archaeologists are constantly battling against local looters to get their hands on some of the most exquisite finds to learn more about this advanced society.
However, Amazon Prime’s “Mayan Treasure Hunters” takes viewers closer than ever before to unseen territory.
The film crew, accompanied by local looters. visited an entire hidden city in the Guatemala jungle, unknown to the government or historians.
The 1990 documentary revealed: “You won’t have seen this happen before on television, it’s the first time it has ever been allowed to be filmed.
“These men are criminals under Guatemalan law, their cloak is the jungle and their knowledge of it that has led them to discover this hidden ancient city.
“There are several temples, 70 or 80ft high.”
The team then speaks to one of the looters, known only as Pablo, who details the site they have uncovered, revealing it could hold some pricey finds.
Pablo says: “There is another one [temple] bigger further on, but that would take a lot of supplies to tackle – it could take a month.
“This one is almost 15 metres high
“This may a royal tomb and there are two more ruins further on in the centre.
“Maybe one of them was for a warrior or a chief, it’s in a good position.”
Criminals like Pablo risk their lives in a bid to uncover ancient artefact that could be worth a fortune.
The locals spend weeks breaking into the ancient temples and salvaging everything they can that may be valuable.
If they are lucky, a black market in America is ready to pay large amounts to take them off their hands.
Archaeologists are stretched to try and reach the sites first, or as soon as possible, to salvage remains.