Introduction to a Historic Discovery
A husband-and-wife team of archeologists from the University of Houston, Arlen and Diane Chase, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the ancient civilization of Caracol in Belize. After 40 years of excavations and 50 years of marriage, the couple has unearthed the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the first ruler of the ancient Maya city of Caracol. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the connections between the Maya area and central Mexico.
The Tomb of Te K’ab Chaak
The tomb, which is the first identifiable ruler’s tomb found in over four decades of work in Caracol, reveals connections to Teotihuacan, a site of Mesoamerican pyramids in Mexico. The Chases’ discovery suggests that the initial kings at various Maya cities, such as Te K’ab Chaak at Caracol, were engaged in formal diplomatic relationships with Teotihuacan. The tomb contains jewelry, a mosaic mask, pottery, shells, and carved bone tubes, among other materials. Depicted in the tomb are images of a Maya god of traders and a Maya ruler holding a spear.
Connections Between the Maya Area and Central Mexico
The Chases’ findings indicate that both central Mexico and the Maya area were aware of each other’s ritual practices, as reflected in the Caracol cremation. The connections between the two regions were undertaken by the highest levels of society, suggesting a level of cooperation and exchange between the two civilizations. The distance between Caracol and Teotihuacan is approximately 750 miles, which would take about 153 days to travel by walking or over 23 hours by car.
The Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of Te K’ab Chaak’s tomb has shed new light on the early contact between Caracol and Teotihuacan. The Chases’ years-long investigations at Caracol revealed that Te K’ab Chaak’s tomb was the first of three significant burials around the year 350. This finding has pushed back the previously recognized presence of Teotihuacan in the area by at least a generation. According to Diane Chase, "One question that has perplexed Maya archaeologists since the 1960s is whether a new political order was introduced to the Maya area by Mexicans from Teotihuacan."
The Excavation Team and Future Presentations
The Chases led an excavating team in collaboration with Belize’s Institute of Archeology and supported by the University of Houston, the Alphawood Foundation, the KHR Family Fund, and the Geraldine and Emery Ford Foundation. The couple is scheduled to present their findings at a conference hosted by the Maya Working Group at the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico in August.
Conclusion
The discovery of Te K’ab Chaak’s tomb is a significant milestone in the field of archaeology, providing new insights into the connections between the Maya area and central Mexico. The Chases’ dedication to their work and their groundbreaking findings have contributed substantially to our understanding of the ancient civilization of Caracol. As we continue to learn more about the past, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the significance of archaeological discoveries in shaping our understanding of human history.
