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When William Saturno, a professor at the University of New Hampshire, traveled to Guatemala in 2001, he made an amazing discovery. In looking for Mayan ruins at San Bartolo, he ventured into the jungle with just enough food and water for one day. The trip turned out to be three days to the destination point, and three days back.

In searing 90 degree heat and severely hydrated, he entered what appeared to be a cooler spot, at a cave-like entry point. When he took out a flashlight and looked up, he realized that he was sitting in an ancient Mayan temple with paintings on the walls. His discoveries of Mayan hieroglypic writings have been dated to 400 B.C. to 200 A.D., centuries earlier than previously thought for mesoamerican hieroglypics.

A PBS special that aired in my area today was the first I had heard of these new findings of ancient Mayan sites in Guatemala. Saturno’s knowledge of archaeology, along with the work of an associate who used a Nasa satellite and space technology resulted in the mapping of coordinates by which other Mayan ruins were located. The limestone used to build the temples has resulted in plant life that glows in photos taken from outer space and this altered chlorophyll led to the further discoveries of Mayan buildings.

To read a story about William Saturno and his incredible journey and findings, please visit this page:

http://unhmagazine.unh.edu/sp02/temple_doom.html

I am so proud of my alma mater, UNH, and its ability to attract and keep outstanding professors, many of whom are research oriented. I just had to share this great news with you. There are many other files online about his work, but the one above will bring you to a three page article in the UNH magazine.

Patricia