- Ancient Maya grave found in Mexico as tourist rail project advances

Mexican archaeologists have discovered a well-preserved human burial in Palenque, Mexico, during salvage work conducted alongside the construction of the Maya Train. The burial, believed to be over 1,000 years old, was found in an area where a major tourist rail project is being developed to attract visitors to the ancient Maya sites and nearby beach resorts. The Maya Train is a priority for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and has employed well-funded archaeologists to ensure timely completion of excavations. This recent discovery occurred during the construction of a hotel near the Palenque ruins, which was once a significant urban center of the ancient Maya civilization. The remains, found in a stone box, likely belong to an elite resident of the city and were accompanied by ceramic vessels, ear flares, and greenstone beads. Further tests are needed to determine the individual’s age and other characteristics. The ancient Maya are renowned for their achievements in art, architecture, astronomy, and writing. Palenque, like other ancient cities in the region, flourished between 300-900 AD.