Archaeologists have discovered Maya royal bones that were dramatically and deliberately burned to indicate the end of a political era.
In an ancient Maya temple-pyramid in Guatemala, archaeologists recently discovered the scorched bones of at least four adults who were likely members of a royal lineage. The burning signaled a deliberate and potentially public desecration of their remains, according to new research. The bones offer a rare glimpse of intentional corpse destruction in Maya culture to commemorate dramatic political change.
“This article exemplifies how we should interpret unusual remains,” he added. Fire illuminated a ‘foreign’ leader’s rise Researchers discovered the remains in a site called Ucanal, located about 249 miles north of Guatemala City. The ancient metropolis was the capital of the Maya’s K’anwitznal kingdom, and during Ucanal’s peak, from roughly 630 to 1000, city settlements covered about 10 square miles .
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Maya ruler burned bodies of old dynasty during regime change, charred human remains revealJennifer Nalewicki is a Salt Lake City-based journalist whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics and more. She covers several science topics from planet Earth to paleontology and archaeology to health and culture. Prior to freelancing, Jennifer held an Editor role at Time Inc.
Read more »
Ancient Maya burned their dead rulers to mark a new dynastyIn the foundations of a Maya temple, researchers found the charred bones of royal individuals – possibly evidence of a fiery ritual to mark the end of one dynasty and the beginning of another
Read more »
Archaeologists Discover 174 Tombs Dating to China's Warring States PeriodThis period in the first millennium B.C. was marked by warfare between various feuding Chinese kingdoms battling for dominance.
Read more »
Archaeologists Unearth Early Medieval Stone Coffins From Below City StreetsResearchers found a number of sarcophagi thought to date between the 6th and 8th centuries and one that may be even older.
Read more »
Archaeologists Identify Wreckage of HMS Tyger near Dry Tortugas National ParkNational Park Service archaeologists have identified the wreckage of the HMS Tyger near Dry Tortugas National Park. The ship sank in 1742 during the War of Jenkins Ear and was recently confirmed through new research. The discovery highlights the importance of preservation and the potential for future archaeological advancements.
Read more »
Archaeologists Discover 1,000-Year-Old Ice SkateThe artifact, likely made from horse bone, would have helped medieval people get around during the winter months.
Read more »