Mexican archaeologists have made a significant discovery as they uncovered a lavishly adorned human body in a grave believed to be over a millennium old. This remarkable find occurred in an area where construction is underway for a major tourist rail project. The announcement was made by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) on September 25.
The uncovering of this ancient grave took place earlier this month during archaeological rescue operations carried out in parallel with the construction of the ambitious Maya Train project. The Maya Train, a multibillion-dollar endeavor, is set to become a cornerstone of southern Mexico's tourism industry, enticing visitors with access to the region's numerous ancient Maya sites, as well as the popular beach resorts of Cancun and Tulum.
The railway initiative, Maya Train, championed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has allocated substantial resources to archaeologists, enabling them to expedite excavations to ensure construction remains on schedule. Meanwhile, archaeological projects in other parts of the country have faced budgetary constraints.
The latest discovery occurred during the development of a hotel in close proximity to the prominent Maya ruins of Palenque in Chiapas state. Palenque was once home to one of the most substantial and advanced urban centers of the ancient Maya civilization.
The skeletal remains were found approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the city's core, which boasts towering temples and a sprawling palace complex. Experts believe that the interred individual was likely a member of the city's elite class, known in ancient Maya as "Lakamha'."
Within the stone box alongside the human remains, archaeologists found three ceramic vessels, ear flares, and a pair of greenstone beads. INAH has noted that the individual was buried facing north, lying face up. Further tests will be required to ascertain the exact age and additional characteristics of this intriguing discovery.
The ancient Maya civilization is celebrated for its extraordinary contributions to art, architecture, astronomy, and writing. Palenque, like numerous other ancient cities scattered throughout southern Mexico and parts of Central America, experienced its zenith between 300 and 900 AD.
As the Maya Train project advances, it is becoming increasingly clear that the development is not only modernizing transportation but also unearthing the rich history and heritage of the ancient Maya civilization, further enhancing the appeal of this region to tourists from around the world.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)