Texas Couple Discovers Priceless 1,700-Year-Old Mayan Royal Tomb in Belize

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, a husband-and-wife team from Texas has unearthed a 1,700-year-old royal tomb in Belize, shedding light on the ancient Mayan civilization. Arlen and Diane Chase, both esteemed professors, discovered the final resting place of Te' K’ab Chaak, the founder of a powerful dynasty at the Caracol site, a once-thriving Mayan city dating back to the 4th century.

This discovery, the first confirmed royal tomb at Caracol, is a treasure trove of history. The tomb is adorned with 11 pottery vessels, intricate carved bone tubes, and a stunning jadeite mosaic death mask, alongside jewelry crafted from the same precious stone. These artifacts, described as priceless by Arlen Chase, offer a vivid glimpse into the wealth and status of this ancient ruler. The presence of items like Pacific shells and Guatemalan pottery speaks to the extensive trade networks that defined Te' K’ab Chaak’s era around 350 A.D.

What makes this find even more extraordinary is the insight into the ruler himself. Standing at 5'7" and having lived to an advanced age—evidenced by the absence of teeth—Te' K’ab Chaak’s remains tell a story of resilience and power. Diane Chase emphasized the rarity of uncovering a ruler’s burial, noting that this is not just a tomb but the resting place of the first in a line of 30 rulers before Caracol’s eventual abandonment by 900 A.D.

The sheer effort behind the long-distance trade items, some of which would have taken ancient travelers over 150 days to transport on foot, underscores the cultural and economic significance of this dynasty’s reach. This discovery isn’t just about artifacts; it’s about piecing together the puzzle of a civilization that once dominated the Yucatan Peninsula. As we marvel at these findings, one can’t help but wonder what other secrets lie buried beneath the ruins of Caracol.