Waterways Mayan city of Palenque in Mexico, known as the first example of engineered water pressure in the world, according to researchers.
Collaboration of two researchers of University of Pennsylvania, an archaeologist and hydrology experts found evidence of how the Maya use of water channels regulated by the pressure and the details are still unknown.
"The system water pressure was previously thought to be introduced by the Spaniards when his arrival," said the researchers in the latest Journal of Archaeological Science.
But then based on archaeological data, seasonal climate conditions, the shape of geomorphology and hydraulic theory clearly indicates that the Mayans at Palenque Chiapas Mexico has implemented an empirical knowledge of the channel closed pressurized water before the presence of Europeans.
The technology was first identified in 1999 when the survey mapping. While the water channel that flows beneath the city region is unknown.
Then in 2006, an archaeologist returned to Palenque with a hydrology expert to examine the unusual water feature.
Palenque area was first inhabited in the year 100 BC, but grew larger when the classic Maya period took place, namely the year 250 until 600 BC. The city was abandoned around the year 800 AD.
"Under natural conditions it is difficult to imagine the Mayans make an example of regular water pressure in their world," said Christopher Duffy, professor of civil and environmental engineering.
Underground water channel as the aqueduct is not a common thing in Palenque, because the Mayans built the city in a small area on top of a long cliff.
To make a habitable land available, the Mayans at Palenque making the route a channel under the city via aqueducts.
"They create a space city," said Kirk French, professor of anthropology.
"There is a channel in the area every 300 feet or across the cliff. Very little land that could be built. "
Channel is also useful in the rainy season so that the danger of flooding can be anticipated and controlled at least partially drained.
Channel is also useful in the rainy season so that the danger of flooding can be anticipated and controlled at least partially drained.