Archaeologists from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have uncovered an ancient tomb along with funerary offerings during the construction of the Tren Maya Hotel in Palenque, Chiapas.
The discovery was made on September 11, roughly two kilometers from the heart of ancient Palenque, a site once dominated by towering temples and a vast palace complex. Known in the Itza language as Lakamha, Palenque lies near the Usumacinta River and flourished between 226 BCE and CE 799. Major construction phases in the city’s history occurred following military assaults by Calakmul and its allied city-states in CE 599 and 611.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Palenque remains one of the most significant Maya archaeological zones.
The tomb, located 13 feet below the surface and sealed with limestone slabs, held a stone box containing human skeletal remains. Based on its location and the associated offerings, researchers believe the individual buried was of high social rank.
Inside the grave, archaeologists found three ceramic vessels, a pair of ear flares, and several greenstone beads—objects that indicate ceremonial importance and elite status.
INAH Director-General Diego Prieto Hernández explained that the body had been carefully positioned: laid on its back, legs extended, and the head facing north. He emphasized that the tomb had been intentionally constructed to honor a person of considerable standing within the ancient community.
The find is part of ongoing archaeological work tied to the Maya Train project, a 948-mile intercity rail initiative launched in 2020. This pre-Hispanic tomb was discovered beneath the hotel being built along the train route.
Further examination of the remains is underway to identify more specific details such as age and other biological characteristics. The broader goal of the Maya Train project includes expanding public access to cultural heritage sites and bringing economic and social benefits to local populations.
More information: INAH
