Archaeological News

Archaeologists in Guatemala have discovered the grave of an ancient king credited with laying the foundations for the Mayan civilization more than two thousand years ago, experts said on Thursday.

Researchers from Guatemala uncovered the grave of King K’utz Chman, a priest who is believed to have reigned around 700 B.C., at the Tak’alik Ab’aj dig in Retalhuleu in western Guatemala.

Packed with jade jewels and other artifacts, K’utz Chman’s grave is the most ancient royal Mayan burial ground found to date, investigators said.

“He was the big chief,” archeologist Miguel Orrego told Reuters. “The ruler who bridged the gaps between Olmec and Mayan cultures and initiated the slow transition to Mayan rule.” Read more.