Reply #1: Archaeologists spy on an intact 1,500-year-old Maya tomb

[Judi Lynn]

Archaeologists spy on an intact 1,500-year-old Maya tomb
Pictures from tiny camera shed light on chamber of an early ruler in Palenque
updated 9 minutes ago 2011-06-24T02:56:17

MEXICO CITY — Archaeologists say new images of an 1,500-year-old Maya tomb will shed new light on the early years of the once-great city-state of Palenque in southern Mexico.

Pictures captured by a remote-controlled camera lowered into the tomb revealed an apparently intact funeral chamber, with offerings sitting on the floor. Wall murals depicted a series of nine figures, painted in black on a blood-red background.

Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History said archaeologists have known about the tomb since 1999, but have been unable to enter it because the pyramid standing above it is unstable, and breaking into the chamber could damage the murals.

The institute said on Thursday that the floor appears to be covered with detritus, and it is not immediately evident in the footage if the tomb contains recognizable remains. But archaeologist Martha Cuevas said the jade and shell fragments seen on the video are "part of a funerary costume."

More:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43518869/ns/technology_and_science-science/