Ancient Mayan King's Treasure Tomb Discovered In Belize: Here's What Archaeologists Found Inside
In a discovery hailed as one of the most significant in decades, archaeologists in Belize uncovered the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, the first known ruler of the ancient Maya city of Caracol, offering a rare glimpse into the early dynastic origins of one of the Maya civilization's most powerful cities. The royal burial, dating back to around AD 350, was discovered by archaeologists Dr. Arlen and Dr. Diane Chase of the University of Houston, who have been excavating Caracol for over 40 years in collaboration with Belize's Institute of Archaeology.
The tomb was found deep within Caana or the 'Sky Place"- the tallest structure in Caracol and one of the most imposing manmade buildings of the ancient world. Rising 141 feet high, Caana dwarfs many modern structures and reflects Caracol's once-formidable presence in the Maya world.
Dr. Diane Chase said, 'This is one of our most important finds. We found the first person in the dynasty. That, in itself, in terms of the history of Caracol, is huge." Although previous tombs had revealed elite individuals, this is the first burial to match hieroglyphic records confirming the identity of a ruler.
Treasures From A Lost Kingdom: What Was Inside The Tomb
Inside the tomb, archaeologists uncovered an array of beautifully crafted offerings and treasures. Among them were jade mosaic death masks, jade beads and jewelry and clay pots adorned with intricate artwork. They also discovered carved bones, seashells and a particularly striking pot depicting Ek Chuah, the Mayan god of trade, surrounded by offerings. Other artifacts include vivid scenes showing bound prisoners and a king receiving tributes, all adding to the tomb's ceremonial richness.
One of the mosaic death masks is believed to depict Te K'ab Chaak himself. His skeletal remains suggest he stood about 5 feet 7 inches tall and was elderly at the time of his death, having lost all his teeth, likely due to age.
The Story Of Caracol
Founded as early as 900 BC, Caracol reached its height between AD 600 and 800, rivaling other great Maya cities like Tikal and Calakmul. Spanning more than 75 square miles, it is now considered the largest known Maya archaeological site in Belize.
The tomb of Te K'ab Chaak marks the third major royal burial found at the site from this era. In 2009, archaeologists uncovered a richly adorned tomb believed to belong to a noblewoman. A second burial revealed cremated remains of three individuals, accompanied by two large knives and items that appear to have originated from central Mexico, indicating long-distance connections or ritual exchanges.
Te K'ab Chaak, whose name means 'Tree Branch Rain God," now stands as the foundational figure in Caracol's known history. His tomb not only confirms the city's dynastic origins but also paints a vivid portrait of Mayan royal life, spiritual practice and political authority.
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