This week, archeologists working at the Maya ruin site of Xunantunich announced the discovery of a tomb, presumably that of a Maya ruler. Work is still ongoing at the site but archeologists have already determined that the tomb, located underneath one of the central buildings, is one of the biggest ever to be found in Belize. Alongside the remains of an adult man estimated to be in his late 20s or early 30s were found obsidian knives, pots, vases, jade beads, and the remains of what is thought to be a jaguar or deer.
Despite being excavated almost continuously since 1892, the tomb discovered this week is the first one ever found at Xunantunich. Located approximately 80 miles west of Belize City, the ruins of Xunantunich were first rediscovered in 1890 during the period of British colonial rule. Xunantunich is named for a Maya term meaning "Stone Woman" because the site is reportedly haunted by a ghostly apparition of a woman dressed in white with glowing red eyes.
Today, Xunantunich is one of the top tourist attractions in Belize and is a short 30-minute drive from the Cahal Pech Village Resort.
