Archaeologists have made a thrilling discovery at the ancient Maya city of Palenque – a burial chamber of a high-status elite individual within the enigmatic CP3 structure, unveiled during the latest round of excavations. Home of the Red Queen’s Red Palace , Palenque has been the subject of archaeological digs and restoration works for decades.
The complete human skeleton, positioned face-up and oriented northwards, hints at a funerary custom exclusively reserved for the elite. As if that wasn’t enough, the excavation also revealed a mysterious niche adorned with an array of green stone figures – adding to the intrigue surrounding the fascinating Maya civilization .
The complete skeleton found at Palenque. ( INAH)
Insights into Ancient Maya Provided by Palenque Burial Chamber Discoveries
The Palenque burial chamber contained a primary and secondary burial, with several large ceramic bowls placed inside as offerings. As per Maya funerary customs , these bowls were left within the Palenque burial chamber to nourish the deceased in the afterlife.
According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History ( INAH) in Mexico, the secondary Palenque burial chamber included an offering consisting of three plates alongside a niche adorned with a collection of enigmatic green stone figures. The skeletal remains from the secondary deposit belonged to a woman who was probably originally buried at a different location, before having her bones placed in the access space or antechamber when it was…
