Maya Tomb Discovered
Archaeologist recently announced the discovery of a tomb possibly dating back 1,600 years to the Early Classic period of Maya history. The discovery in Guatemala this last May is especially interesting due to how well the tomb has been preserved. In addition to the usual discoveries of ceramic and stone objects and bones, the airtight tomb contains objects of wood and textiles, which are extremely rare in this part of the world.
Early speculation may suggest this was a royal tomb, but much more research still needs to be completed before any definitive answers can be given.
"We still have a great deal of work to do," said Stephen Houston an archaeologist at Brown University in Rhode Island. "We've only been out of the field for a few weeks, and we're still catching our breath after a very difficult, technical excavation. Royal tombs are hugely dense with information and require years of study to understand."
Read more on this discovery here.
15 comments:
Although the tomb dates back to over 1600 years ago, it doesnt look that old at all, im amazed.
I agree with you Garret. It does not look that old
I did some more readings regarding the discovery of the Mayan tomb & was startled to find out that the bones discovered in the tomb are from six children that may have been sacrificed at the time of the king’s death. The chamber had been well sealed, for over 1600 years that no air and littler water entered and YES, I totally agree with Garrette and Zane! That the objects in the picture does not at all look that old! According to Stephen Houston, an archaeologist at Brown University in Rhode Island, the king was buried in a traditional dancer’s costume! Decorated with small “bells: of shell. It is absolutely captivating to see such objects that date back 1600 years to the early classic period, and yet look so recent !
It is hard to believe how well preserved this was by thinking it was over 1600 years ago. I read that it was sealed so good that hardly no air or water entered and their was a smell of purification lingering in the air.
Robert Kierna Art 3 Summer 2010
To Robert,yeah, I read that too! The smell of purification.... I wonder what that smells like....
Povidone iodine? Alcohol? Perhaps Formaldehyde? I really wish, that I could get my foot into one of those preserved tomb! It is fascinating to see how well these tombs are kept sooooo well preserved~
This post is really great !
I agree wity your post!
It is very exciting to read about such a find from one of the most interesting Meso-American civilizations of all time. To be able to find a possible burial tomb in a very well preserved site, is valuable to the research of all Meso-American civilizations. More research needs to be done and should be publicized to increase interest in the ancient histories of the people in all of the Americas.
This is great news! The Pre-Columbian Americas fostered a rich culture that is constantly overlooked. By continuing archeological expedition, we are continuing to expand on our knowledge of Mesoamerican civilizations. Maybe someday, a Mesoamerican tomb might garnish as much publicity as the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen.
That must have been an amazing find. I've always wanted to go to an art expedition and find something cool.
This is amazing, it looks great for being about 400 CE; i wonder after much work has been done on this excavation if their assumptions are correct, whether or not this is a tomb of a very important individual, maybe even a ruler. I will have to keep in touch with this story, I would love to follow it. Thank you for sharing this with us.
To (Sanghee Park) wow! you said that there are bones that could possibly mean there were some children sacrafices. If this turns out to be true that would be amazing to witness an events after effect. By that I mean its astonishing that here today we are looking at a tomb that was dated hundreds of generations ago and theres still artifacts that remained there the whole time with some story and history behind it as well.
( (Macass Dodson) )
This is always so interesting about the Mayan development. I do not like the fact that people finding these things tend to steal it from the country and bring it elsewhere. Furthermore, some of these things maybe secreted and should not be disturbed.
Nathernell Nelson
0542781
Art3
I cant believe that archaelogist just found a recent tomb because the history of latin america amazes me when i read their history. the exciting part was hear that they found a tomb that may be a kings tomb. that would be cool if they find some thing new that hasnt been found.
It is very interesting to see how other cultures once lived and that Mayan tomb can be used to tell of a story of the way they lived. It is crazy to think that it is still in that great of a condition after many years and happenings along the way.
Brandon Tatera-Art5
It amazes me that artifacts dating back 1600 years are still being found today. It is great that more history can be added on to what we know about the Mayans now.
Nicole Saldana
Art 3
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