University of Houston Archaeologists Discover Tomb of First King of Caracol

TLDR

UH archaeologists discovered the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, Caracol's first ruler, in Belize, marking the first identifiable ruler's burial in 40+ years. The tomb, filled with pottery, jadeite, and shells, dates back to 331 AD, revealing early contact with Teotihuacan.

Archaeologists from the University of Houston working at Caracol in Belize, Central America have uncovered the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the first ruler of this ancient Maya city and the founder of its royal dynasty. Now in ruins, this metropolis was a major political player in Maya history, dominating the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula from 560 through 680 AD before its abandonment by 900 AD.