At the age when most of his peers were engrossed in video games, 14-year-old William Gadoury was formulating a groundbreaking theory linking the construction of Maya cities to the observation of constellations in the sky. Fast forward five years, that theory propelled him on an extraordinary expedition deep into the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula in pursuit of a hidden Maya city. “The Teenager and the Lost Maya City,” a captivating documentary featured on “The Nature of Things,” chronicles Gadoury’s journey alongside a team of expert explorers as he seeks to validate his hypothesis.
In an exclusive interview with documentary digital producer Jessica Young, Gadoury delves into the genesis of his theory and imparts valuable advice for budding archaeologists.
Reflecting on his interest in Maya culture, Gadoury reminisces how his fascination was sparked by books gifted by his grandparents at the tender age of eight, but it wasn’t until later that he fully immersed himself in researching Maya history.
Questioned about the inspiration behind his theory on the positioning of Maya cities in relation to stars, Gadoury elucidates how he pondered the unusual locations of Maya settlements, diverging from the conventional proximity to rivers or seas. Intrigued by the Maya’s astronomical prowess, he drew a correlation between celestial observations, star positions, and city placements.
When quizzed on his research methodology, Gadoury reveals his reliance on Google Earth as a pivotal tool. Utilizing Google Earth’s dual mapping feature to study both the sky and Earth’s surface, Gadoury meticulously aligned constellation patterns with Maya city locations using transparent sheets, a method that proved instrumental in his investigations.
Discussing the challenges encountered during his research journey, Gadoury emphasizes the protracted nature of the process, marked by anxious waits for responses and a relentless pursuit of validation. Commencing his project at 12 and now at 21, Gadoury acknowledges the immense dedication required for such endeavors.
Offering advice to aspiring archaeologists, Gadoury underscores the significance of a genuine passion for history and unwavering determination, citing his own perseverance as a critical factor in his success.
In wrapping up the interview, Gadoury extols the virtues of online resources for budding researchers, advocates for exploration through trial and error, and stresses the importance of nurturing a child’s interests to foster both enjoyment and learning.
Looking back on his journey, Gadoury muses on the value of patience and belief in one’s endeavors, highlighting the unexpected and rewarding outcomes that perseverance can yield.
For those intrigued by Gadoury’s story, “The Teenager and the Lost Maya City” is available for viewing on “The Nature of Things.”