Spanish and Nicaraguan archeologists will begin excavation in February 2004 of the Cascal de Flor de Pino, where the ancient ruins of a previously unknown civilization were found on Nicaragua's Atlantic coast. Nicaraguan archeologist Leonardo Lechado, part of a team led by Ermengol Gassiot from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, told Tierramérica that the next phase of investigation will take place from February to April next year.

Those studies will determine whether a set of at least 10 large platforms found in the southern Nicaraguan forest were used as a ceremonial site, said Lechado. Topographic studies show that the ruins were residential areas and date back more than 2,000 years.

The experts have already begun the arduous task of analyzing arrowheads, hatchets, ceramic pieces and various tools and utensils found in the area.