Archaeologists in Belize have uncovered the 1,600-year-old tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the founding ruler of Caracol—one of the most powerful Maya cities of the Classic Period. According to Live Science, the discovery, made by researchers from the University of Houston, marks the first time a clearly identified royal tomb has been found at the site in over four decades of excavation.
Te K’ab Chaak, whose name translates to “Tree Branch Rain God,” assumed the throne in 331 CE. His tomb, dated to around 350 CE, was located in the city’s Northeast Acropolis—a ceremonial and residential complex just beyond the urban core. Inside were jade beads, carved bones, seashells, a mosaic jade death mask, and pottery vessels featuring Maya deities and rulers receiving offerings.
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The tomb is one of three recently unearthed in the area. While previous finds at Caracol—such as central Mexican artifacts discovered in 2010—suggested influence from Teotihuacán, these earlier tombs appear to belong to native Maya royalty, predating that contact by a generation.
Te K’ab Chaak was estimated to be about 5 feet and 7 inches tall and toothless at the time of his death, likely at an advanced age. The dynasty he established endured for more than 460 years.
At its height, Caracol housed more than 100,000 people and covered 68 square miles. It included causeways, agricultural systems, and massive structures like the 140-foot-tall Caana pyramid—still among the tallest in Belize. The site is located in the highland jungle of Belize’s Cayo District, southeast of Tikal.
Arlen Chase, who co-leads the Caracol Archaeological Project, said in a statement the discovery sheds new light on the city’s early rulers and their diplomatic links across Mesoamerica.