“Uncovering the Secrets of a New Mayan Ruler in Cobá!”

A significant discovery has been made in the archaeological efforts of the Tren Maya project. A glyphic tablet has been recovered near the Nohoch Muul pyramid in the Cobá archaeological zone, located in the municipality of Tulum. The area is known to have been ruled by at least three female leaders, with the reign of Lady K'awil Ajaw, who ruled for over four decades, being particularly notable.

The Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza) discovered an extraordinary causeway 160 meters from the Nohoch Muul pyramid. The causeway features a panel of 123 hieroglyphic cartridges in an extensive L-shaped inscription of just over 11 square meters, carved directly onto the rock that borders a nearby watering spot.

The inscriptions reference the founding date of a village, named Keh Witz Nal or Deer Mountain, which is dated to May 12, 569 AD. Notably, the name of a ruler, K'awiil Ch'ak Ch'een, was identified for the first time. This discovery helps to fill a gap in the dynastic sequence of Cobá.

The inscriptions suggest that many rulers adopted the name of the god K'awiil, implying they took on his attributes as protector deities of the place. The writing on the rock panel connects historical events and mythical past, referencing a group of tutelary gods who founded Cobá, such as Bolón Tz'akab Ajaw, the Lord of Countless Generations, who was responsible for the corn and cacao dynasties.

In related news, the East Coast Museum, located in the Tulum archaeological zone, is set to open on September 8, 2024. Additionally, on Monday, August 12, Manuel Pérez Rivas, the coordinator of the Tren Maya archaeological rescue work, will be awarded the Alberto Ruiz Lulie Medal for his contributions to the study of Mayan civilization. This will take place as part of the 35th International Book Fair of Anthropology and History being held in Mexico City.