Largest Mayan tomb discovered in Belize may hold remains of local ruler

[Judi Lynn]

Largest Mayan tomb discovered in Belize may hold remains of local ruler

Skeleton of royal in 20s or 30s was found buried with pots, jade beads and animal remains.

Léa Surugue
By Léa Surugue August 1, 2016 13:36 BST

The exceptionally well-preserved tomb of a Mayan ruler was discovered in Belize. Found at the heart of the country's famous Xunantunich archaeological site, the burial chamber is the largest and most elaborate so far found in the small the Central American nation.

The Mayan civilisation emerged around 2,600 BC in the Yucatan Peninsula, in the South of Mexico and part of Belize and Guatemala. The civilisation was particularly advanced, with the Mayans excelling at agriculture, pottery and architecture – leaving behind impressive temples and religious structures as well as symbolic artwork.

The Mayans were at the height of their power in the sixth century AD. However, mystery remains about why this great civilisation came to an end. Most of the Mayan stone cities were abandoned by 900 AD and so far archaeologists have been unable to explain the disappearance of such a rich and powerful culture.

In depth archaeological work started decades ago in Belize, but it is only recently that major discoveries have led archaeologists to really look at the country as the centre of Mayan civilisation.

More:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/largest-mayan-tomb-discovered-belize-may-hold-remains-local-ruler-1573591

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Xunantunich Mayan Temple in Belize (Mark Large - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

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Many more photographs of this amazing site you might want to see at google images:
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1276&bih=594&q=Xunantunich+Mayan+Temple+in+Belize+&oq=Xunantunich+Mayan+Temple+in+Belize+&gs_l=img.12...225.225.0.1643.1.1.0.0.0.0.174.174.0j1.1.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..0.0.0.Zq_GM0B5TSw#imgrc=_

Anthropology:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12292781

[Judi Lynn]

1. Archaeologists have uncovered one of the biggest Maya tombs ever

Archaeologists have uncovered one of the biggest Maya tombs ever

Incredible!

JOSH HRALA
9 AUG 2016

An international team of archaeologists working in Belize has uncovered one of the biggest royal Maya tombs ever, containing a male corpse, animal bones, obsidian blades, and hieroglyphic panels that offer new insights into the legendary 'snake dynasty'.

The team uncovered the tomb in Xunantunich, an ancient city in Western Belize that once served as a ceremonial centre for the Maya, under the stairway of a temple.

"In other words, it appears that the temple was purposely erected for the primary purpose of enclosing the tomb," team leader Jaime Awe from Northern Arizona University told Alan Yuhas from The Guardian. "Except for a very few rare cases, this is not very typical in ancient Maya architecture."

According to the team, the tomb was built for a 20- to 30-year-old muscular man, who must have been of some importance, though they're still trying to figure out more information about his life.

More:
http://www.sciencealert.com/archaeologists-have-uncovered-one-of-the-biggest-maya-tombs-ever