Final answer:
Mayan ruins, remnants of the once-great Mayan Empire, have been known to the local populations for centuries, but scholarly exploration intensified in the 19th century. The classical Mayan era (300 to 900 C.E.) is known for its significant architectural achievements, with notable sites like Chichen Itza and Tikal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discovery and study of the Mayan Empire, which spanned across today's southern Mexico and Central America, have intrigued historians and archaeologists for many years. These ancient people left behind impressive Mayan ruins that include flat-top pyramids and garden cities in the jungle, often built next to large, shallow lakes. Although it's not clear when the first Mayan ruins were specifically 'discovered,' since they were never truly lost to the local descendants of the Maya, the scholarly recognition and subsequent exploration of these sites began in earnest in the 19th century. For instance, one of the most remarkable sites, Chichen Itza, in the Yucatan, Mexico, dates back to around the year 1000 and became a significant center during the Post-Classic period of Maya civilization, indicating a northward shift of focus.
The classical era of the Mayan civilization, noted for its architectural marvels, lasted from 300 to 900 C.E. The archaeological sites attract thousands of tourists each year and include famous locations such as Tikal, Calakmul, and El Mirador, with Tikal gaining particular prominence during the Early Classic period (250-600 CE).