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National Geographic
5 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
Scientists find tomb of a Maya king and his ancient treasures. But who was he?
Found in the ancient city of Caracol, the tomb contained a rare jade mask, ceramics, and jewelry often linked to the Maya ruling class. Caana, which means "sky palace" in Mayan, is the largest structure at Caracol, Belize, rises over 140 feet above the jungle. Researchers recently found a tomb under the canopy in an acropolis to the immediate right of Caana. Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston Deep in the dense jungles of Belize, archaeologists excavating the ancient Maya city of Caracol have unearthed what they believe to be the 1,700-year-old tomb of a ruler. If confirmed, the discovery would mark the site's earliest known royal burial, and possibly the resting place of its founding king, Te K'ab Chaak. 'This is an extremely important discovery,' says Francisco Estrada-Belli, an archaeologist at Tulane University and a National Geographic Explorer, who was not involved in the research. 'It is extremely rare to find the burial of a known Maya king, let alone of a dynasty founder.' The researchers say the tomb, along with other finds at the site, may offer evidence that ties between the Maya and the distant metropolis of Teotihuacan began earlier than previously thought. But without inscriptions naming the tomb's occupant or DNA analysis confirming his identity, some experts caution that the claims remain speculative. The discovery, announced Thursday by the University of Houston, was made by Diane and Arlen Chase, two married archaeologists who have spent nearly four decades uncovering secrets from Caracol. Archaeologist Diane Chase and her colleagues think the tomb at Caracol belonged to an elite member of Maya society based on the grave artifacts, including a red mineral called cinnabar (background), pottery vessels (foreground), and a rare jade mask (found to the left). Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston (Everything we thought we knew about the ancient Maya is being upended.) Jade death masks and bones Arlen Chase and the team found this latest tomb earlier this year while digging at the site's northeast acropolis, or palace complex. While reopening an excavation trench from 1993, he stumbled upon a large, undisturbed chamber with walls coated in a red mineral called cinnabar. Finding tombs at Caracol is not unique, says Arlen Chase. They've dug up over 850 burials and about 175 tombs at the site. But this newest find stuck out from all the rest. The designs on these four jade beads found in the tomb depict the faces of live and dead spider monkeys. Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston Three sets of jade ear flares or ornaments were also discovered in the tomb at Caracol. Finding multiple sets of ear flares is rare in Maya archaeology. Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston 'What's unusual is the contents of this chamber,' he says. That, along with the large size of the tomb—about 6.5 feet in height and 13 feet in length—'tells us that it was somebody important,' he says. Lithuania's timeless city Inside, Chase came across the skeletal remains of a man and a treasure trove of Maya artifacts, including: a jade and shell mosaic death mask that had been smashed to more than a hundred pieces; three sets of jade ear ornaments; four jade beads with the faces of spider monkeys; decorative pottery, some adorned with animal motifs and another painted with a ruler holding a spear; and a skull upside down in a pottery vessel, as if it had rolled away from its body. The individual's jaw also showed signs that it had resorbed the teeth, indicating that it likely belonged to an elderly person. The researchers think the deceased man was likely laid out or seated on a pallet that eventually decayed, causing his skeleton to collapse. This ceramic bowl is modeled in the form of an owl. The style matches other vessels from the Early Classic period of Maya history, and based on this, the researchers estimate that the tomb is from A.D. 350. Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston 'Everything about it says ruler,' says Diane Chase. The realization, she says, gave her goosebumps. 'It was clear that, Whoa! This really is probably a ruler–it's probably Te K'ab Chaak.' Hieroglyphic texts found elsewhere at Caracol refer to Te K'ab Chaak as the founder of the dynasty that ruled the city for more than 460 years and say that his reign began around A.D. 331. The tomb itself contains no writings identifying who was buried there, so the researchers rely on timing to make this claim. The team dated the newly discovered tomb to between roughly A.D. 330 and 350, based on two key observations: The type of pottery inside was typical of the Early Classic period, which spans from about A.D. 280 to 380, and radiocarbon dating of a nearby cremation burial they previously excavated in Caracol in 2010. That cremation, also dated to around A.D. 330 to 350, was placed above the tomb in the site's stratigraphy, suggesting the newly found tomb came around the same time or slightly earlier. Taken together, the team argues, these clues point to a ruler's burial that aligns closely with the period when Te K'ab Chaak sat on the throne. Another ceramic lid found in the tomb includes a possible portrait of the elite individual holding a spear and receiving offerings. Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston The pair both say they are '99.9 percent' confident that the tomb belonged to Te K'ab Chaak. 'Are we going to still keep looking to double check? Absolutely,' says Diane Chase. Stephen Houston, an archaeologist from Brown University not involved in the work says the tomb was an intriguing find and agreed that it belonged to royalty. But he added that he needed more convincing to conclude that it contained Te K'ab Chaak. 'Perhaps, at some point, a glyphic text will appear and confirm the identity of the deceased,' he says. Maya-Teotihuacan connections Diane and Arlen Chase also argue that their finds at Caracol sheds light on the power dynamics between the Maya and Teotihuacan, an ancient civilization located near present-day Mexico City that is neither Maya nor Aztec (or Mexica). 'The discovery also shines light on the sorts of relationships the Teotihuacanos and Mayas had in the early fourth century, which seem based on trade, pilgrimages to Teotihuacan, and diplomacy,' says David Carballo, an archaeologist from Boston University who was not involved in the research. The journey between the two Mesoamerican cities would have required walking some 750 miles on foot. (This 1,700-year-old sacrificial monkey has a surprising backstory.) In A.D. 378, individuals from Teotihuacan staged a coup or military incursion in the Maya city called Tikal, known as the 'entrada.' This is when some archaeologists argue that Teotihuacan influence began to appear in Maya culture. Diane and Arlen Chase say their findings make the case that the Maya and Teotihuacan interacted at least 28 years earlier, around A.D. 350. One of their strongest pieces of evidence to this connection, they say, is the cremation burial from between A.D. 330 and 350. Cremation burials were common among the Teotihuacan elites, while the Maya buried their dead. So, the researchers argue that the cremation at Caracol suggests that the people were already being influenced in some way by Teotihuacan decades before the entrada. They also found green obsidian blades at the cremation site, which the researchers say most likely came from north of Teotihuacan. But not everyone agrees that the researchers have made a strong enough case to support their argument about earlier Mesoamerican connections . The lid handle on this piece of pottery is modeled after the head of a macaw, typically a sign of status in Maya culture. Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston Chase and her colleagues argue that this vessel features hummingbird iconography. A similar motif appears in imagery from another tomb in the same area—burials that span within 30 to 50 years of each other, researchers estimate. Photograph Courtesy Caracol Archaeological Project/University of Houston 'I'm not sure what particular thing at this particular site or excavation actually links it to Teotihuacan,' says Anabel Ford, an archaeologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara. 'Lots of this is not really falsifiable, just their feelings of the associations.' Sharing the science The archaeologists have not yet published their findings from the 2025 field season in a peer-reviewed journal, but they plan to present them in August at the Santa Fe Institute's Maya Working Group conference in New Mexico. The researchers shared a draft of their results with National Geographic that describes the 2025 tomb discovery, as well as burials found in 2009 and 2010 that they say support their arguments about Maya-Teotihuacan interactions. 'Normally we would publish first and then a news release,' says Diane Chase, 'but the find was really so spectacular that we felt like we had to let it out somehow, because people were asking to see pictures and photographs.' She added that their next steps include attempting to extract ancient DNA from the bones as well as conduct isotope testing on the remains. These tests could provide insights into the individual's diet and whether he lived most of his life in Caracol or moved around a lot, she says. Such clues, she says, would be key to confirming whether the man buried in the tomb is indeed Te K'ab Chaak.
News18
5 days ago
- Science
- News18
Ancient Mayan King's Treasure Tomb Discovered In Belize: Here's What Archaeologists Found Inside
Archaeologists in Belize found the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, Caracol's first known ruler from AD 350, in Caana. 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. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Lost tomb & body of ancient 1,700-year-old king buried with chilling death mask uncovered in Mayan temple
The Maya are celebrated for creating objects from finely carved jade MASK OF DEATH Lost tomb & body of ancient 1,700-year-old king buried with chilling death mask uncovered in Mayan temple Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered the 1,700-year-old tomb of the earliest known ruler of the ancient Maya city of Caracol. The tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, who once ruled over what is now modern-day Belize, was filled with a trove of ancient burial items. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The funerary mask of King Pakal of Palenque shows what the mask found in Te K'ab Chaak's tomb would have looked like Credit: Wolfgang Sauber 5 Archaeologist Diane Chase inside Te K'ab Chaak's tomb, which dates to the fourth century AD Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston 5 Aerial view of the unearthed tomb of the first ruler of Caracol, an ancient Maya city in Belize Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston A number of impressive objects, including 11 pottery vessels, jadeite jewellery, a mosaic jadeite mask and Pacific spondylus shells, were found at the burial site, which dates back to around 350 AD. As is typical for Maya funerary masks, the one found - though broken - was made by fitting together small pieces of jadeite, a precious green stone, into a mosaic pattern. The discovery of Te K'ab Chaak's tomb provides new insights into the origins of Maya dynastic rule and early regional interactions in Mesoamerica. After more than four decades of excavation, married archaeologists Arlen F. Chase and Diane Z. Chase from the University of Houston made a breakthrough. This marks the first time a Caracol king has been identified. Te K'ab Chaak became ruler in around 331 AD, founding the royal dynasty of Caracol - a major Maya metropolis until its abandonment by 900 AD. The Chases believe that Te K'ab Chaak was of advanced age at the time of his death. He stood around 5 feet 7 inches tall, according to their estimations. Te K'ab Chaak's tomb was located at the base of a royal family shrine. Archaeologists uncovered a cremation burial containing the remains of three individuals, dating to around 350 AD. LOST AT SEA Inside sunken ancient Egyptian city known as 'Venice of the Nile' with incredible temples that drowned 1,200 years ago The tomb also held items from central Mexico, including knives, obsidian blades and atlatl points. The discovery comes just over a month after an ancient Mayan city was discovered by archaeologists in northern Guatemala. The nearly 3,000-year-old remains include remarkable pyramids and monuments that appear to be "sculpted with unique iconography". This ancient city, named Los Abuelos - the Spanish for "The Grandparents" - once stood around 13 miles from the significant archaeological site of Uaxactún, according to Guatemala's culture ministry. 5 A pottery vessel portraying Ek Chuah, the Maya god of traders, found in Te K'ab Chaak's tomb Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston 5 Tubular beads made from carved jade were discovered in the tomb Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston Los Abuelos gets its name from two human-like sculptures of an "ancestral couple" found there. These figures "could be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship", the ministry added. The city is likely to have been "one of the most ancient and important ceremonial centres" of Mayan civilisation. Meanwhile, another ancient Mayan city was discovered deep inside a dense jungle within the Balamkú ecological reserve in the Mexican state of Campeche. Named Ocomtún - which means "stone column" in Yucatec Maya - the city was hailed as a "monumental" discovery by Mexican authorities in 2023. The settlement dates from roughly 250 AD and 1000 AD. Ocomtún boasts remains of several massive pyramid-like structures, three plazas with "imposing buildings", numerous stone columns and other cylindrical structures. One pyramid is estimated to have stood as tall as 82 feet, towering over the surrounding jungle.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Lost tomb & body of ancient 1,700-year-old king buried with chilling death mask uncovered in Mayan temple
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered the 1,700-year-old tomb of the earliest known ruler of the ancient Maya city of Caracol. The tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, who once ruled over what is now modern-day Belize, was filled with a trove of ancient burial items. 5 The funerary mask of King Pakal of Palenque shows what the mask found in Te K'ab Chaak's tomb would have looked like Credit: Wolfgang Sauber 5 Archaeologist Diane Chase inside Te K'ab Chaak's tomb, which dates to the fourth century AD Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston 5 Aerial view of the unearthed tomb of the first ruler of Caracol, an ancient Maya city in Belize Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston A number of impressive objects, including 11 pottery vessels, jadeite jewellery, a mosaic jadeite mask and Pacific spondylus shells, were found at the burial site, which dates back to around 350 AD. As is typical for Maya funerary masks, the one found - though broken - was made by fitting together small pieces of jadeite, a precious green stone, into a mosaic pattern. The discovery of Te K'ab Chaak's tomb provides new insights into the origins of Maya dynastic rule and early regional interactions in Mesoamerica. After more than four decades of excavation, married archaeologists Arlen F. Chase and Diane Z. Chase from the University of Houston made a breakthrough. This marks the first time a Caracol king has been identified. Te K'ab Chaak became ruler in around 331 AD, founding the royal dynasty of Caracol - a major Maya metropolis until its abandonment by 900 AD. The Chases believe that Te K'ab Chaak was of advanced age at the time of his death. He stood around 5 feet 7 inches tall, according to their estimations. Most read in Tech Te K'ab Chaak's tomb was located at the base of a royal family shrine. Archaeologists uncovered a cremation burial containing the remains of three individuals, dating to around 350 AD. LOST AT SEA Inside sunken ancient Egyptian city known as 'Venice of the Nile' with incredible temples that drowned 1,200 years ago The tomb also held items from central Mexico , including knives, obsidian blades and atlatl points. The discovery comes just over a month after an ancient Mayan city was discovered by archaeologists in northern Guatemala. The nearly 3,000-year-old remains include remarkable pyramids and monuments that appear to be "sculpted with unique iconography". This ancient city, named Los Abuelos - the Spanish for "The Grandparents" - once stood around 13 miles from the significant archaeological site of Uaxactún, according to Guatemala's culture ministry. 5 A pottery vessel portraying Ek Chuah, the Maya god of traders, found in Te K'ab Chaak's tomb Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston 5 Tubular beads made from carved jade were discovered in the tomb Credit: Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston Los Abuelos gets its name from two human-like sculptures of an "ancestral couple" found there. These figures "could be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship", the ministry added. The city is likely to have been "one of the most ancient and important ceremonial centres" of Mayan civilisation. Meanwhile, another Named Ocomtún - which means "stone column" in Yucatec Maya - the city was hailed as a "monumental" discovery by Mexican authorities in 2023. The settlement dates from roughly 250 AD and 1000 AD. Read more on the Irish Sun Ocomtún boasts remains of several massive pyramid-like structures, three plazas with "imposing buildings", numerous stone columns and other cylindrical structures. One pyramid is estimated to have stood as tall as 82 feet, towering over the surrounding jungle. Who were the ancient Maya? THE Maya were an ancient, indigenous Mesoamerican civilisation that inhabited present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. Flourishing for over two millennia - from around 2000 BC until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century AD - they developed one of the most sophisticated cultures in the ancient Americas. The Maya are celebrated for their achievements in architecture, mathematics, astronomy, art and writing. They built vast cities with tall step pyramids and palaces and also created intricate jadeite masks and objects. Their writing system, known as Maya hieroglyphs, was one of the most complex in the pre-Columbian Americas, used to record historical events, religious texts and royal genealogies. Maya mathematicians independently developed the concept of zero and used an advanced vigesimal system. This enabled them to produce highly accurate calendars. The Maya were conquered and destroyed by the Spanish invaders in around 1600 AD. But millions of Maya people still live today, preserving their languages and traditions.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Ancient Ruler's Tomb Uncovered After Nearly 1,700 Years
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Archaeologists from the University of Houston have uncovered the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, the first known ruler of Caracol, an ancient Maya city in present-day Belize. The discovery comes after over four decades of excavation by married archaeologists Arlen F. Chase and Diane Z. Chase. The burial site, dating to around 350 AD, contained an array of artifacts, including 11 pottery vessels, jadeite jewelry, a mosaic jadeite mask and Pacific spondylus shells. The Context The uncovering of Te K'ab Chaak's tomb sheds new light on the origins of Maya dynastic rule and early regional connections in Mesoamerica. This find is the first time a Caracol king has been identified over the decades of research at the site, which was a dominant Maya metropolis before its abandonment by 900 AD. Diane Z. Chase in the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak with vessels in the foreground and jadeite mask to the left and the south wall niche. Diane Z. Chase in the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak with vessels in the foreground and jadeite mask to the left and the south wall niche. Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston What To Know Te K'ab Chaak ascended to the throne around 331 AD and is recognized as the founder of Caracol's royal dynasty. His tomb was located at the base of a royal family shrine. Two pottery lids in the chamber featured the heads of coatimundi, or tz'uutz' in Maya. These motifs were later adopted by Caracol rulers as part of their names. The Chases estimated that Te K'ab Chaak was of advanced age at the time of his death. They also estimated that he was approximately 5'7" in height. Researchers discovered a cremation burial containing the remains of three individuals dated to around 350 AD. It also contained goods from central Mexico such as knives, obsidian blades and atlatl points. "Maya carved stone monuments, hieroglyphic dates, iconography, and archaeological data all suggest that widespread pan-Mesoamerican connections occurred after an event in 378 AD referred to as 'entrada,'" Diane Z. Chase said in a statement. The University of Houston team collaborated with Belize's Institute of Archaeology for this field season. David Stuart, a professor of Mesoamerican art and writing at the University of Texas at Austin, said the tomb dates back to a significant time period in Maya culture. "The three hundreds was a key time in Caracol, in the history of that kingdom," Stuart told Newsweek. He said the dynasties of various different kingdoms emerged during that period and began having foreign contacts. Stuart explained how the tropical weather of the region could impact what is found at Maya burial sites. "You can find the skeleton preserved, maybe, although a lot of times that will deteriorate, but you'll find the durable things," Stuart said. "You're going to find ceramics, jade, maybe some other organic materials." He said there is "no doubt" that Maya tombs had textiles, wooden artifacts, painted gourds and other artifacts that were not preserved. What People Are Saying Arlen F. Chase, in a statement: "Both central Mexico and the Maya area were clearly aware of each other's ritual practices, as reflected in the Caracol cremation." David Stuart, a professor of Mesoamerican art and writing at the University of Texas at Austin, in comments to Newsweek: "The goal of archaeology is never to find everything. It's to find the things that can tell you the most about the ancient culture, and the history and how they lived." What Happens Next The university said further research is planned, including reconstruction of the jadeite mask and DNA and isotope testing on recovered remains. The full results will be presented by the Chases at a conference on Maya–Teotihuacan interaction at the Santa Fe Institute in August. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
