Unveiling History: University of Houston Archaeologists Unearth the Tomb of Caracol’s First King!

Archaeologists from the University of Houston have made an exciting discovery at Caracol, an ancient Maya city in Belize. They found the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the city’s first ruler and a significant figure in Maya history. Caracol was a bustling center of power between 560 and 680 AD before it was abandoned around 900 AD.

This tomb is the first of its kind found in over 40 years at Caracol, the largest Maya site in Belize. Te K’ab Chaak’s tomb was located beneath a royal family shrine and contained a wealth of artifacts, including pottery vessels, jade jewelry, and a striking jade mask. One vessel showcases a scene where a Maya ruler is depicted accepting offerings, while others feature gods and captives.

Diane and Arlen Chase, the husband-and-wife team leading the excavation, have spent more than 40 years studying Caracol. They believe that Te K’ab Chaak was around 5’7” tall and likely elderly at the time of his burial.

The findings at Caracol shed light on early Maya interactions with Teotihuacan, a major city in central Mexico known for its vast trade networks. This connection is vital to understanding Maya political structures and cultural exchanges. Archaeologist Diane Chase noted that this period, particularly around 378 AD, was crucial for Mesoamerican interactions, indicating that the Maya were not isolated but rather engaged in complex diplomatic relationships with other regions.

In 2010, a cremation in the plaza suggested that cultural influences from Teotihuacan were already present in Maya practices, possibly indicating that royal representatives from Caracol visited or settled in Teotihuacan.

Recent studies have uncovered that the three major burials at Caracol, including Te K’ab Chaak’s, occurred around 350 AD, suggesting a vibrant exchange predating the known Teotihuacan presence among the Maya.

Both the Chases emphasize that their work challenges long-held views. They used advanced techniques, like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), to reveal a sophisticated urban landscape in Caracol, complete with extensive road systems and a large population.

As they continue their research, they aim to comprehend the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations better. This finding not only enriches our understanding of Caracol but also shows how ancient peoples were far more mobile and engaged than previously thought.

The Chases plan to share more insights from their ongoing research at a conference in August 2025, further enhancing our grasp of ancient Maya history and its extensive links to other cultures.

For more insights into the relations between the Maya and Teotihuacan, you can read reports from the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

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Caracol, Chase, Belize, archeology, dynasty