Unearthing Royalty at Caracol Maya Site in Belize
In a groundbreaking moment for Maya archaeology and Belizean heritage, archaeologists have discovered a 1,700-year-old tomb of the first known king of Caracol. They believe the tomb belongs to Te’ K’ab Chaak, the founding ruler of Caracol’s royal dynasty, who ascended to the throne in 331 AD. This find offers an extraordinary glimpse into the story of this site as a political powerhouse in Mesoamerica.
During the 2025 field season, the Caracol Archaeology Project, led by the University of Houston’s Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase made a historic discovery within the Northeast Acropolis. Buried deep within this ceremonial complex was a royal tomb dating back to approximately 350 AD.
With over 850 burials and 175 tombs excavated during their nearly four-decade-long career at Caracol, the Chases knew this one was unlike any other! For the first time, they were able to match the burial to hieroglyphic records to identify a ruler, solidifying the tomb as Caracol’s first dynastic king.
The tomb itself measured 6.5 feet in height and 13 feet in length. It was covered in red cinnabar, symbolizing the rising sun in Maya cosmology and honoring individuals from the highest royalty.
According to Dr. Arlen Chase in an interview by the University of Houston, “The Early Classic period is the time when the rulers assert the fact that they oversee everything, completely distant from the rest of the population. That changed at the end of the Early Classic period, especially in Caracol. After the successful warfare against Tikal, they started to share the wealth with the general population. But not this person.”
The burial chamber at the Caracol Maya Site contained a striking collection of rare and culturally significant artifacts. Among the most remarkable finds were:
- A jadeite and Pacific spondylus shell mosaic death mask, smashed into over a hundred fragments. A find like this is uncommon, indicating this was an individual of power.
- Eleven decorated pottery vessels, some depicting animals, and showing a ruler with a spear. One of the vessels had a portrait of the Maya Merchant God, Ek Chuaj, who is not commonly known in the classic period. However, it was present in 350 AD in the Classic Period.
- Three sets of jade ear ornaments and four jade beads carved with spider monkey faces
- Other perishable materials
Photo Credit: National Institute of Culture and History
The tomb also featured Pachuca green obsidian and Teotihuacán-style weaponry. The findings showcase that the Teotihuacán-Maya relationship seemed to have happened much earlier than what hieroglyphs depict. The Chases’ discoveries highlight that the ancient Maya were travelers and interconnected with other parts of Mesoamerica, moving back and forth between Caracol and Teotihuacán.
According to the Institute of Archaeology’s press release, the next steps to provide further details on the life, origins, and influence of Te’ K’ab Chaak include ancient DNA analysis, isotope testing, and the reconstruction of the jadeite death mask.
As archaeologists like the Chases continue to reveal secrets buried over a millennium at the Caracol Maya Site, it deepens our knowledge about Maya heritage in Belize. Want to experience the magnificence of this ancient city? Visit the Caracol Maya Site on your next trip to Belize!
Row Photo Credit: National Institute of Culture and History
Exploring Caracol Maya is one of the top things to do at Caracol Belize, with its intricate carvings, expansive plazas, and mysterious tombs that tell the story of the Maya civilization in Belize. A Caracol Belize travel guide can help you uncover the secrets of the Caracol Maya temple and navigate the lush jungle surroundings.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for unique experiences while you travel in Belize, the Belize ancient ruins of Caracol promise an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss the chance to visit Belize and immerse yourself in the wonders of its ancient past!
