Newly published research shows just how pervasive mercury—an essential element in the red cinnabar pigment favoured by the Maya—is at the site in Guatemala.

Researchers working in Guatemala have discovered high levels of mercury contamination at the ancient Maya city of Ucanal, 280km north-east of Guatemala City. 

Identified in soil samples taken from across the city’s core and its water reservoirs, the toxic metal may have caused Ucanal’s inhabitants serious health problems.