Category: Media & Culture / October 4, 2012 4:02 PM EDT
Archaeologists from Guatemala and the United States have discovered a rare tomb with the remains of an ancient Maya queen.
Packed with glistening jade jewels and ceramic vases crafted in the late seventh century, archaeologists said that the tomb uncovered in the Peru-Waka dig site in Guatemala's northern Peten region contains the remnants of renowned Queen Kalomt'e K'abel.
Inside the tomb, researchers found a small alabaster vase decorated with an elderly woman's face and inscribed with the queen's name.
Lead archaeologist David Freidel briefed media on the amazing discovery.
Uncovering the identity of buried Mayan leaders is difficult because tombs are often covered with ancient hieroglyphics and pictures that make it hard to decipher precise names, archaeologist Griselda Perez told Reuters.
Queen K'abel's portrait has appeared on Mayan plaques that associate her with the year 692 A.D. during the Mayan classic period when she lived with her husband, King Wak K'inich Bahlam II.
Historians believe that K'abel reigned over Calakmul, a Mayan community that often battled the powerful King El Zotz and his kingdom Tikal, just south of the Mexican border and a popular destination for U.S. tourists.
