This is amazing ! It must be preserved. Who knows what else they will uncover and what more there is to learn about this ancient society. The government must stop the looters and destruction of the jungle to save this amazing place. One of the undiscovered wonders of the world ! How could it have been lost for so long? It just shows what power nature has to cover the tracks of man when left ot its own devices. Good luck to all involved and thank you for sharing this amazing find with us.

Wonderful news. One of the most exciting and intriguing items I have ever read on CNN.

What a fantastic story. I look forward to seeing part this treasure in the spring next year, when I'll be in Petén to volunteer for some projects.
Looters and thieves must be kept at bay though, otherwise the damage done to the relics that tell us the real history of the Mayas could be irreversible.
Thank you so much for this most interesting report.

This is amazing, thank you for showing this!!!

Glory be to the old people. Civilization does not start now. It has been since. Kudos to u guyz.

This forgotten city surely is an exciting adventure that I would love to explore. Thanks to the archeologists and people of Guatemala for standing up and trying save what's left of it. in this world there are many more discoveries to be made, and as an adventurous person I wouldn't mind finding them my self.

Wow, great story and accompanying videos.

Wonder now, what is hidden in the jungles of Africa –that the colonist did not manage to destroy.

Absolutely amazing it fascinates me to see the diversity and splendor you have uncovered. I can't hardly wait to see the new Mayan history. We have ball courts that originated in the Mayan and Aztec Temples in the Virgin Islands that were used by the Tainos however they palyed the game for a different reason in the Caribbean. Like the Mayans Tainos did not have the wheel. Amazing what these ancient cultures achieved milleniums before they discovered Columbus. The Mayans existed parallel to Mesopotamia, the cradle of Western Civilization. Job well done, enjoyed this piece immensely.

Great news, of EL MIRADOR. Popol Vuh. hope i can visit in the future and experience the feeling that can only happen by being there, seeing, hearing, experiencing history.

This goes to show that we larn something new everyday. What took so long to discover this great picture. This is a great story and video on cnn. I have just saw one of the undiscovered pieces of art of the world. The Mayans left a good thing behind for us to discover.

Absolutely phenominal. I've always been interested in Mayan, Aztec and Incan history and culture. I've visited Chichen Itza but this is a most important discovery and will rewrite history for sure.

As a Guatemalan it makes me very proud and it's so impressive to see such an amazing discovery of a great civilization and to know that it's been there this whole time just makes it much more interesting almost unbelievable . I would definitely love to volunteer and participate somehow with this whole project , it would certainly be an honor to help preserve such a wonderful treasure....It's AMAZING

THANKYOU FOR THIS BIUTIFUL EXPLANATIONS.-THERE IS ENY BOOK WITH FULL STORY OF YOUR RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION OF SITE AND PEOPLE THAT DU THAT.-???

THANKYOU AGAIN.-

BEN.-

This is absolutely fascinating...Good luck to the contemporary Mayans, lets hope the site is persevered.

This History has been known for years. Just read the book of mormon.
It talks about amazing cities, structures, and roadways. It will help you understand this civilization. It covers the time period between 600 BC to 600 AD. Is a good read.

I have seen lot temples in India similar to like these- Maya is very common name in India. There could be some more surprises in Future. Check the ancient India- history, songs, and Hindi word Maya.
Surprised.

El Mirador is exciting and there is much more to this site than appeared in the videos, such as the finds of a possible battle on top of the Tigre pyramid. These finds indicate that the Central Mexican city of Teotihuacan played some important role in the final chapters of the site's history.

http://haecceities.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/el-mirador-is-a-brand/

Just amazing. Thanks for uncovering this highly interesting and hidden story.

I have been facinated by the Mayan people and story since I was a small boy. I'm now in my fiftys and if anything, am even more impressed with their accomplishments and dignity. I felt , as I watched the blog of Dr. Hansen tearing up as he discribed his mission, like I wanted to go there and be a part of something so real and important as this is. His comment about how science for science sake was sterile, without the life of these people. This man deserves the Nobel prize for his selfless commitment to the people of Guatemala and the world. Im in awe and it helps me to believe in people, not that I had stopped, it's just you don't see enough of men and women and this story is so unique. Before I pack it in it is my goal to meet up with both El Mirador and the Man who has dedicated his life to it, Dr, Hansen

Are these there cities of gold spoken about http://mcog.bkernst.net/ ?

Pyramids are in Egypt perhaps on Mars.

I think that a biggest pyramid is in Europe in Bosnia and it was discovered few years ago. Follow the link below:
http://www.bosnianpyramid.com/

I love anything to do with pyramids. I can't wait to go and see it for myself. My husband is from Guatemala and he tells me how beautiful Guatemala is. Your hard work is appreciated!

The Romans invented freeways before 1,000 years before the Mayans !!!!

Hola soy el director del parque Nacional Mirador – Rio Azul, administrado por CONAP (gobierno), donde se encuetra este maravilloso sitio. Estamos trabajando muy fuertemente en lograr la protecciòn de los alrededores de este parque, incluso estoy amenazado de muerte por varios grupos que cometen ilìcitos dentro del àrea. Necesitamos bastante ayuda para garantizar la protecciòn de todo el parque y del sitio el Mirador. El Doc Hansen a realizado una exelente labor como arqueologo encargado del proyecto. Sin embargo falta poner mucho mas esfuerzo en la proteccion del entorno natural.

Absolutely awesome! Truly a worldly find that should be highly respected for what it represents. Amazing that history was able to protect itself so well for so long. Nice to see there are still surprises hidden and that we haven't unearthed everything.

Great story and video. El Mirador is an amazing site. I just wanted to correct something that is a common mistake. The culture and the people are known as the Maya, not the Mayans. One could refer to the language as Mayan but not the people. Looks like you had an amazing time and thanks for helping to promote the necessity of protecting these sites. Kind regards!

This is really quite spectacular. I'm curious as to what new information, stories, diplomacy the scriptures we find on the walls and tablets will reveal to us. Wonder if it might clear up some mis-perceptions that we currently believe or deem as truth or possibly reinforce them. This is really something news worthy and I thank you.

What a truly awesome discovery this is. I have photographed an enormous amount of Mayan ruins in all of Mezoamerica. Let's hope that scientists and scholars can discover the yet untouched ruins here and in the Western Hemisphere and establish protection from looters, loggers and and despoilers of nature before they destroy what is truly valuable in our civilization.

Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Caba were some of the sights within a days driving distance of Merida that I've been to in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico in the late 80s. Can't wait to see Mirador. One of my former Professors, Dr. Christina Kitchen (forgive the spelling Professor!) dug in and around Honduras I believe. I'll have to ask her about Mirador.

Thank You. As someone who grew up in Guatemala I have heard of the Mirador, but this is the first time I have seen it.

The Popul Vuh was orriginally written down in Quiche, Indian dialect, by a Presbyterian Missionary named Douglas Peck. He wanted to preserve this Mayan Creation Story. Latter he translated into Spanish.

What a thrill to see this version of the Mayan Sacred Story,

The purpose of archeologi is not the creation of tourist destinations, but to gain knowledge. So, please tell us more!

I am originally from Guatemala and have always been interested in Maya culture. This discovery is amazing. I always thought that Tikal was one of the most important discoveries about the Mayas, but I realize now that we are only scratching the surface of this amazing civilization and people. Thanks to those adventuresome archeologists who work so hard to keep us learning about new discoveries all the time. I would love to participate some day as a vounteer in uncovering the wonders of this civilization.

In future, Guatemala will be one of the most important countries on Earth. This I conjure from the plans of building the space elevator in the country. As a future gate to the stars it will also attract other investors. If the history of this site, and others, could be made available to the public, it will strengthen the image of Guatemala as a country well worth doing these investments in..

beyond impressive, beyond any one person ,group, or governments capabilities to save. loggers, drugs, looters and farmers threaten this find. to save mirador there must be compromise. turn enemies into allies. harvest the trees in a fashion that does not ruin the find. logging roads could be part of the infrastructure necessary for the future. establish aggricultural methods that coexist w/the past. put in an airport w/modern radar (drugies won't like the visablity). the looting of such a vast site (no one knows how vast) can be stoped only by removing the treasure the looters seek. harvest the treasure. sell on the open market. use funds from all of the efforts to secure the find. all of this could be done. the logging,agricultural,artifacts and airports could generate the money necessary to save mirador. the hardest part would be to find an honest man/group/government capable and willing to make the long term commitment necessary. how impressive would it be for people to be looking at mirador 1000 years from now, talking about the society that was formed on the ruins of mirador. the civilization that saved this find for the next millenium.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS. I CAN SHARE IT WITH MY STUDENTS IN OUR HISTORY CLASS.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU MORE!!!!!!!

Los Mayas traspasaron todos los umbrales que nuestra civilizacion ha siquiera vislumbrado.

WOW! This is amazing!

Xcellent

Kudos to everyone who is preserving this rich human heritage.

It's so sad that a country could spend $12 Billion a month on an unnecessary war, while $1 Billion of that money could preserve and protect humanity's history.

I've been visiting the (Mexican, Toltec, Aztec, Zapotec, Mayan, Incan ) sites in Mexico, Central America and South America since the mid-80's. Another fascinating place to explore. Though I suspect Mirador is not open to the public yet. Maybe before I die.

There are lot more civilizations with rich knowledge and treasure trove.
Example, India (also current Pakistan) has very rich Indus valley heritage and their govt does not spend 0.5 cent in comparison with western world on the archeology. if some has interest and money, there is history changing myth breakers.

The Mayan civilization is fascinating. It was very advanced and they made beautiful art. It seems we are just starting to discover and learn enough of this world to understand it a tiny bit. Almost every book on the subject is already outdated and there seem to be many disputes among scientists about how to interpret Mayan culture. I traveled through the south of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala in 2007 to see many of these mesmerizing things with my own eyes. I was compelled but I was also saddened when I saw how much of the rain forest in especially Guatemala has recently been destroyed. One day I drove for hours through a landscape which resembled a war zone, it was as if armies of madmen had applied scorched earth tactics to it. Please go see the Maya world for yourself, so your tourist money can make the forests more valuable for the local people.

Thank you for this story.
It must be told and hopefully saved from those who take history so lightly that they would destroy or loot the sight. I only wish I could help with the excavation myself. What an exciting discovery to be part of. Congratulations to all of you and keep going and keep yourselves safe. Terrific coverage, well done.

This is exactly what I'm studying in school at the moment cant wait to watch it on televison tomorrow night!Anyone with information could let me know what there think!:)

AHAU, we gives thanks for sharing history of the Mayan civilization. I would be honored to volunteer and be in the presence of the ancient one's.

I have studied meso-american history, literature and archeology nearly all my life from Olmec to Aztec.....and I am amazed how history continues to be rewritten and how little we know. I have also studied Spanish documents relating to the early expansionist period of he western world. There is so much compelling literature which now clearly demonstrates that that various forms of Christianity were, in fact, found to have existed prior to the Catholic Spaniards and was one of the key reasons for the burning manuscripts, forced conversion and destruction of religious evidences. I live in the Middle East now and I am also amazed at how little western civilization truely understands ancient history.

One of the greatest curses we can bring upon ourselves is a self-induced philosophy of 'finality'. Archeology continues to reveal. I, for one, will continue to keep a very open mind about what it means. I believe the truth of our past is only beginning to reveal itself and will be an amazing adventure in the next several years.

Wow amazing discovery. Hopefully we can more answers to the 2012 mayan calendar.

Nice place. Have been down there a couple of years ago. Probably the biggest city of Maya in ruins, with the tallest pyramid, and a lot of job is required to shape it into something like Tikal or Chichen Itza. Good to know we are able to reconsider the history and apply more proper dates. For those willing to travel to see El Mirador, beware of ticks, as those are more common and dangerous than jaguars and even traffickers and guerrillos. Besides you would most definitely need to do jungle trekking, to get there. Con Dios.

Ben,

Your use of Grammar is exceptional! Caps Lock is located on the left hand side of your keyboard, in close proximity to the Tab and Shift Keys.

This is indeed a major find! Reading about all these lost civilizations and ancient cities is so captivating. I would love to visit these sites some-day. As an enthusiastic and grounded photographer, I'd love to add some of these to my portfolio which currently consists primarily of people and portraits.

Congratulations.

My great, great, great grandparents were brought by Spanish "Conquestadores" a couple of centuries ago from the Western Hemisphere to the Far East - Philippines in particular. These fabulous findings by Dr. Hansen and reported by Ms. Baldwin, is truly considered apparent exotic definition of the origin of Mayan community. This will surely take the crossroad that correlates human species and the Holy Bible. This is a fact, a reality that needs to be unearthed and studied upon with much candor. I respectfully take a noble bow you, Dr. Hansen, did unto this and to the reporter, Ms. Baldwin, in taking a big leap in proliferating information globally these GREAT FINDS through internet! This we encourage Mr. Al Gore, WWF, National Geographic, the Roman Catholic Church, among others to support selflessly and gather together and decipher the origin of this ancient civilization. Here we may find the origin of America.

Wow wow wow, great to be alive and hope to see much more facts added and pieces that may solve some puzzles. We can all learn from history and observe the spiritual influence. What a magnificent territory as the rest of this wonderous world. I was born in Guatemala and am proud, people are slowly recognizing such a rich civilization, including its own modern citizens. This find is not just for the Guatemalans to behold, but for the world. Thanks CNN

Good that there is a report.

But there is nothing "forgotten" or "lost" about El Mirador.
Yes, not THAT easy to get to, but as you can tell from the wooden stairs leading up to the large pyramid shows, there are even some attempts to preserve what is there. Not all pyramids in "maya-land" have such stairs to protect the outside walls.
see also: http://www.mostlymaya.com/el_mirador.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Mirador
regards
g

One has to wonder WHY they covered this pyramid! The rubble is there. Did this occur during the great flood? There doesn't seem to be a reason to have covered it which would have taken years of itself. It is indeed a shame that greed has touched hearts of people to destroy & scatter such history even of their OWN. We can now only hope that there is more interest now to protect this & continue to research it, revealing more to the world.

As an individual that is always concern about history ,i am so proud to know that earlier civilization has show us how they lived and may be if we are open minded and nonjudgmental we can also learn from them.As a native from the caribbean i am also excited about this find,i will past this site to my other friends from that hemisphere.

Everyone agrees this is piece of history that should be preserve and protect. I just hope that the government of Guatemala open their eyes and create a special group to monitor, review and protect all Mayans buildings. The looters should be stop. This is a beautifil place. I will be one to come and visit when it is open for tourist. They should make this a NATIONAL PARK under the government protection. Following the USA National parts process. Putting park rangers everywhere to keep this for the future children of the world. Pls. keep providing updates/progress of this Maya buildings. I love it..

Congratulations CNN! People need to realize that the goverment of Guatemala does not have the funds to protect this amazing place. Just hope that international and private entities will help to protect, preserve and continue with the work to uncover the rest of this wounderful civilization.
Thank you to all the people that are working on this project I wish them the best and hope many more people will see your work and help.

What a great story, it's sad that I was born in Guatemala and I did not even know about it.. I hope that it can be protected and get the credit it desevers .. thank you