Texas archaeologists uncover ancient king’s tomb in Belize after 40 years

A couple of Texas archaeologists recently unearthed the ancient tomb of the legendary king of Central America. This is a feat that lasted over 40 years.

University of Houston professors Arlen and Diane Chase discovered a 4th century tomb Caracol Archaeology Site In Belize. The university shared its findings on July 10th. (See the video at the top of this article.)

Karakol was a major Mayan city founded in the 300s, with tombs belonging to Te ‘K’ab Chaak, the earliest ruler of the city and founder of its dynasty. Royal Family Found on the site.

Utility worker digging a trench on a 1,000 year old mummy with unharmed hair

“Now, the metropolitan city was a major political player in Mayan history, dominated the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula from 560 to 680 before being abandoned by AD 900,” the University of Houston said in a press release.

Tek’ab Chaak’s tomb was filled with treasures, including 11 pottery and carved bone tubes. The excavator also found a mosaic death mask made of jadeite, With the jewelry made From the same type of gem.

Aaren and Diane Chase, shown on the right, have led excavations at Caracol, shown on the left in Belize for 40 years. (Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Houston)

The pursuit is Karakol’s most important scholar, and this latest excavation is just one of many they have done.

Their son, Adrian, is Also, archaeologists We discovered Karakol’s distributed water system.

“The true value of the material is that they can tell us about ancient cultures.”

Judging from the body of the ruler, the chase also found Te ‘K’ab Chaak was 5’7 high and died in Old age. He also had no remaining teeth.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Arlen Chase called the recently unearthed artifact “valuable.”

Tek’ab Chaak’s tomb contained Jadeite Jewelry painted on the right and elaborate ceramics. (Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Houston)

“Expert archaeologists don’t value dollars on the items they excavate… it’s said that it lies in their ability to tell us about ancient culture,” the expert explained.

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“In this case, most of the individual artifacts are unique, but together they can also tell stories about individuals they once owned, as well as provide a date for the burial.”

Ahlen Chase said Artifacts Dates up to 350 AD and “This period includes a series of vessel types.” It includes two from the Guatemala highlands and a Pacific shell.

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Both of these types of treasures were “the result of long-distance trade,” he noted.

Arlen Chase also confirmed that archaeologists have identified it. burial “Based on the size of his room, the presence of the death mask and earflares of the Jadeite Mosaic, and everything is covered in Cinnabal.”

The tomb artifacts, particularly pottery, show the trade link between Central Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. (Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Houston)

Diane Chase told Fox News Digital that the ceramic containers in particular really showed off the position and wealth of Tek’ab Chaak.

“Two Pacific spine shells near his head, the earfeles of the Jadeite, the carved Jadeite Tubular beads, And the death mask of Jadeite in the mosaic also shows his ability to obtain items of long distance prestige,” she pointed out.

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Today’s car trip between Teotihuacan and Caracol takes over 23 hours. The ancient people would have had to walk for at least 153 days to complete the journey.

While excavating the tomb, Diane Chase is shown on the left, and her team discovers the ruins of Jade’s death mask on the right. It’s now been rebuilt. (Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Houston)

In particular, Diane Chase is not a burial of the ruler.Very rareand it’s important. ”

She said, “This is the first we discovered in the ancient city of Karakol.”

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She added:[s]) Before the city was abandoned. ”