Maya Royal Bones Unearthed in Fiery Ritual Signifying Shift in Leadership, Research Reveals

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Recently, archaeologists found the scorched bones of at least four adults in an ancient Maya temple-pyramid in Guatemala. These individuals were believed to be part of a royal lineage, and the burning of their remains indicated a deliberate and possibly public act of desecration, as revealed by new research.

The bones found provide a rare glimpse into how the Maya culture intentionally destroyed corpses to mark significant political changes.

All the remains were of adults, with three males identified by scientists. Two were aged between 21 and 35, while one was between 40 and 60 years old. This information was shared in the journal Antiquity on Thursday. Alongside the bones were thousands of burned objects, including greenstone body adornments, mammal tooth pendants, shell beads, mosaics, and weapons. The presence of these rich and abundant items suggested the high status of the individuals buried in the tomb.

The burning of artifacts and remains in the pyramid chamber was not a common practice among royalty. This discovery revealed the emergence of a new kind of leader who changed the meaning of power during a period of societal change, according to the study authors.

The ritualistic desecration of bones and royal possessions was a significant departure from traditional royal practices.

Scientists discovered burned bones and grave goods in 2022 under a temple, buried beneath construction material in a room. The burial was found under about 5 feet (1.5 meters) of large stone blocks commonly used for facade construction. Lead study author Dr. Christina T. Halperin, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Montréal, noted that this arrangement was unexpected for individuals of royal descent.

In Maya societies, royal remains were usually placed in accessible spaces for visitors to make offerings. In contrast, the chamber where the burial was found did not show the typical signs of a royal burial. According to Halperin, the remains were simply dumped in this particular spot, with all the construction fill thrown on top of it.

The charred, broken bones showed signs of shrinkage and warping, indicating they were burned in a large fire at a temperature exceeding 1,472 degrees Fahrenheit (800 degrees Celsius). Through radiocarbon dating, scientists determined that the burning took place between 773 and 881. Surprisingly, the analysis also revealed that the individuals had passed away many decades earlier, potentially up to a century before their skeletons were burned. This suggests that the fire was connected to events long after their deaths.

Dr. Stephen Houston, a professor of anthropology and the history of art and architecture at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, described the burnt human remains and valuable objects as a captivating discovery tied to royalty.

"Houston, who researches ancient Maya culture but was not part of the study, praised Halperin as one of our top field workers. He noted that this article showcases the proper way to analyze unique archaeological finds."

"The rise of a 'foreign' leader was brought to light by the fire."

Researchers found the remains at Ucanal, a site located approximately 249 miles north of Guatemala City. This ancient metropolis served as the capital of the Maya’s K’anwitznal kingdom. At its peak, from around 630 to 1000, city settlements spanned about 10 square miles.

During the early ninth century, the remains were discovered burned, coinciding with the reign of a new ruler named Papmalil. This name was absent in previous carvings and is believed to have originated from Maya peoples of a different region, as indicated by the study.

Papmalil, unlike previous royalty, was known as the "ochk'in kaloomte" or "western overlord," a title linked to military leadership. During this time, significant political alliances were formed, old elite monuments were taken down, and new public structures were built. Researchers suggest that a ceremonial burning of the bones of past rulers symbolized the change in leadership.

Julia Mayo/Fundación El Caño

Related article

A tomb belonging to an ancient lord was discovered to be filled with gold and multiple sacrificial bodies. The Maya culture was known for ritual desecration of royal remains by fire, which they referred to as “och-i k’ak’ t-u-muk-il, ‘the fire entered his/her tomb,’” according to researchers. Despite this, there were no scorch marks found in the chamber where the bones and artifacts were located, indicating that the burning likely took place in another location.

Halperin suggested that the remains could have been burned either in their original tomb or in a public plaza. However, regardless of where the burning took place, such a large blaze would not have gone unnoticed.

She noted that the burning was so significant that it must have been known by the general public. Following the fire, the placement of the charred remains in the temple-pyramid would likely have been part of additional ceremonies honoring Papmalil's rise to power.

Evolving Maya society

Finding ancient Maya evidence that references transformative social change “is really exciting,” Halperin said.

We have limited knowledge about the political events of this period, making it a significant moment for understanding a political transition. This event highlights the collapse of political dynasties, as well as the renewal and restructuring of society across various regions of the Maya world.

According to Houston, the mysterious discovery of burned bones and royal artifacts, found in a chamber and buried under building fill, can be better understood through ritual connections to practices documented in Maya hieroglyphs and historical accounts of a revered, albeit foreign, individual. Further excavation at Ucanal could unveil additional evidence of changes in dynasties, such as burned structures or sudden shifts in artifacts.

Halperin also mentioned that the discovery provides valuable insights into the enduring nature of Maya culture.

She emphasized that it demonstrates that Maya societies did not cease to exist even as their political structures evolved.

Editor's P/S:

The discovery of scorched bones in an ancient Maya temple-pyramid in Guatemala sheds light on a unique and poignant practice of ritual desecration. The burning of royal remains, typically reserved for accessible spaces, indicates a departure from traditional practices and a possible power struggle. The presence of rich grave goods and the high temperatures of the fire suggest the high status of the individuals.

This discovery highlights the transformative social changes occurring in Maya society during the early ninth century. The rise of a military leader from a different region and the ceremonial burning of past rulers' bones symbolize a shift in political alliances and the restructuring of society. The event provides valuable insights into the complexities of Maya culture and the enduring nature of their traditions, even amidst political transitions.