Ancient Maya tomb uncovers regal riches of a long-lost king

[Judi Lynn]

1. 'Extremely Rare' Jade Mask Found in Maya King's Tomb From 1,700 Years Ago

'Published Feb 04, 2024 at 6:00 AM E

By Aristos Georgiou
Science and Health Reporter

Archaeologists have announced the discovery of a remarkable and "extremely rare" jade mask from the tomb of an ancient Maya king who died around 1,700 years ago.

The stunning mask, which is thought to have belonged to the king, was found in June 2022, during investigations in the ancient city of Chochkitam—a little known Maya archaeological site nestled within the dense rainforest of northeastern Guatemala in the Petén department.

Researchers dated the tomb to around A.D. 350, making it one of the oldest royal burials from the Maya Classic Period (A.D. 250 to 900) ever found, archaeologist and National Geographic explorer Francisco Estrada-Belli told Newsweek.

The Maya civilization dominated what is now southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and the western areas of El Salvador and Honduras for more than 3,000 years until the era of Spanish colonization.

More:
https://www.newsweek.com/extremely-rare-jade-mask-found-maya-king-tomb-1700-years-ago-1866506