Secrets of 'snake king' may be revealed at ancient tomb under Mayan pyramid

Two intact tombs at the foot of two ancient Mayan pyramids in Guatemala may reveal more information about the mysterious reign of the "snake king".

Two tombs dating back to around 650-700 BC were discovered by researchers at the ancient ruins of Holmul, more than 300 miles north of the capital Guatemala. Researchers hope the discovery will help them uncover the secrets of the “snake king” Kaanul, the Guardian reported.

3D scan of decorative strip depicting a king standing among snakes. Photo: Picasa.

The name "snake king" comes from the snake-headed symbol of the clan that the excavation team found at the site. This clan is believed to have ruled over a large area of ​​land north of the tomb.

The city of Holmul was abandoned after the decline of the Maya civilization in the mid-8th-9th centuries. One of the two tombs contained the remains of a middle-aged man whosejade teeth,likely belonged to the Mayan royal family. The skeleton, which includes a shin bone, is considered an extremely rare find, according to researcher Francisco Estrada-Belli.

The tomb is located under a pyramid built around an older structure. Inside the tomb, the team found artifacts made from shells, jade, obsidian, and human bones, along with ceramics. A carving near the tomb depicts five kings, but the archaeologists believe the skeleton they found is not among them. The ceramics placed next to the remains suggest the deceased lived later than the time the carving was made.

The second tomb was built below the other pyramid and contained two burial chambers. Researchers also found the body of a middle-aged man buried with a bench, ceramics and jade. The necklace found in the tomb was the first jade object to bear the name “snake king”. The back of the pendant bears the name Yuknoom Uti Chaan, a revered snake king.

According to VNE