Ancient Maya Royal Tomb Discovered in Guatemala

news.nationalgeographic.com

The tomb, uncovered deep in the jungles of Guatemala (see map), contains a single skeleton lying on a stone bench, jade jewels, and the remains of a jaguar pelt, according to news reports.

The structure was discovered on April 29 by archaeologist Hector Escobedo of the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and graduate student Juan Carlos Melendez.

It lies at the base of the site's largest pyramid, which is about 60 feet (18 meters) tall.

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After excavating in a cramped tunnel last week under a 60-foot-high (18-meter-high) pyramid, archaeologist Hector Escobedo fell through the floor into a 16-foot-long (5-meter-long) hollow chamber. The newfound tomb might hold the remains of the founder of the early Maya city.