The discovery of an extensive stone panel including 123 Maya hieroglyphs sheds light on previously unknown details about the ancient city of Cobá in Quintana Roo. The unprecedented find was made roughly 500 ft. from the Nohoch Mul, Cobá’s largest pyramid.
The ancient stones tell of a previously unknown ruler of Cobá who went by the name of K’awiil Ch’ak Chéen. Thus, the K’awiil dynasty, now known to have comprised at least 14 lords, including three women, filled an important gap. The K’awiil dynasty is associated with a powerful deity of the same name featured in the Maya pantheon, whose origins stretch back to the early classical period in Guatemala.
Information extracted from this find also includes the foundation date for the city of Keh Witz Nal, which translates as “The Deer’s Mountain,” in 569 C.E.
Researchers expect this discovery, first reported by INAH’s director, Diego Prieto Hernández, to continue to shine new insights into the ancient city of Cobá, whose history stretched from roughly the first century BCE to the eleventh century AD.
The discovery of hieroglyphic panels and stelae are among the only primary sources regarding the history of the Maya, as the vast majority of ancient texts were destroyed when the Spanish arrived in the region.
Like most other Mayan cities, Cobá’s structures were primarily constructed using limestone and sandstone. Plaster was used to cover the exterior walls and create intricate carvings and decorations.
The architecture of Cobá shows clear influences from the mighty city of Teotihuacán in Central México, suggesting a strong connection between the two civilizations.
At its height between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, Cobá had a population of approximately 50,000 and occupied an area of 80 square kilometers, though the territory it controlled was much more significant. Though Cobá was capable of defending itself militarily, its real power lay in its control of trade routes both through land and sea.
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