Archaeologists Arlen and Diane Chase discovered the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, the first ruler of Caracol, Belize, who founded a dynasty in 331 CE. They have utilized airborne LiDAR technology to uncover hidden structures at the ancient site, where they have been excavating since the mid-1980s. The tomb includes significant artifacts such as pottery and a jadeite death mask. The Chases estimate Te K'ab Chaak was about five-foot seven and likely old at his death due to his dental condition. DNA analysis of the skeleton is underway.
The latest discovery is the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, Caracol's first ruler, who took the throne in 331 CE and founded a dynasty that lasted more than 460 years.
Archaeologists Arlen and Diane Chase are the foremost experts on the ancient Maya city of Caracol in Belize and are pioneering the use of airborne LiDAR to locate hidden structures.
Te K'ab Chaak's tomb was found at the base of a royal family shrine, along with pottery vessels, carved bone artifacts, jadeite jewelry, and a mosaic jadeite death mask.
This is the first royal tomb the husband-and-wife team has found in their 40+ years of excavating the Caracol site.
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