By Zoila Palma: A major archaeological discovery in Belize by 2 University of Houston professors has been named among Archaeology Magazine’s top 10 finds of 2025, Houston Chronicle reports.
UH Provost Diane Chase and her husband, anthropology professor Arlen Chase, uncovered a 1,700-year-old tomb in July at the ancient Maya city of Caracol, following four decades of excavation work.
The tomb belonged to Te’ K’ab Chaak, the first ruler of Caracol and founder of its royal dynasty, making it a rare, clearly identified burial of a prominent Maya leader.
Dating to around 350 AD, the burial is one of three discoveries at Caracol suggesting earlier-than-expected contact between the Maya and Teotihuacan, the powerful city located more than 700 miles away in present-day Mexico.
Researchers note that such a journey would have taken roughly 153 days on foot each way, pointing to extensive regional connections during the early Maya period.
The find sheds new light on political and cultural relationships across Mesoamerica.
Melissa M. Badillo, director of the Institute of Archaeology in Belize, said the international recognition brings greater awareness to ongoing research at Caracol and its importance to understanding regional history.
The tomb contained elaborate ceramic vessels, jewelry, and jade and shell fragments that were reconstructed into what researchers believe was a royal burial mask—key evidence confirming the ruler’s identity.
Further radiocarbon dating and bone analysis are underway and are expected to provide additional insight into the life, diet, and status of one of ancient Belize’s most influential Maya rulers.
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By Zoila Palma: A major archaeological discovery in Belize by 2 University of Houston professors has been named among Archaeology Magazine’s top 10 finds of 2025, Houston Chronicle reports. UH Provost Diane Chase and her husband, anthropology professor Arlen Chase, uncovered a 1,700-year-old tomb in July at the ancient Maya city of Caracol, following four
The post Belize Mayan Tomb discovery by UH professors named among top Archaeological finds of 2025 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
