Archaeological discovery reveals hidden history of Mayan “Snake Kings”

Archaeologists have uncovered new stucco reliefs at the ancient Maya city of Dzibanché, providing fresh insights into the Kaanu'l dynasty, also known as the "Snake Kings," who ruled parts of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala around 1,500 years ago. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reported the discovery of three Maya frescoes during rescue work at the site, which represent important iconographic symbols of the ancient Maya culture.

The stucco reliefs are believed to date from the Early Classic period, around 500-600 AD, potentially towards the end of the Kaanu'l dynasty's 400-year reign. The reliefs were made with artistic precision that demonstrates the high level of Mayan civilization and were created using a mixture called sascab, formulated from lime. Professionals determined that the reliefs have preserved traces of blue, yellow, red, and black paint to this day.

Each of the three reliefs offers a vision of the mythological and celestial beliefs that motivated the Maya reign. The first relief shows two standing figures guarding a pedestal with symbols referring to an important Kaanu'l leader. According to the INAH statement, "The first scene shows two guardians who surround a pedestal on which, in pre-Hispanic times, a sculpture must have been placed; the particularity of the podium is that it incorporates glyphs alluding to a ruler of the Kaanu'l dynasty." The pedestal lacks a central statue, suggesting that the figure may have been removed by the city's residents in ancient times. The INAH added, "In this relief, the absence of a central sculpture is also noticeable, so it is not ruled out that the two missing effigies were removed, centuries ago, by the city's own inhabitants."

The second relief represents deities in a cosmic environment, surrounded by stars and intertwined serpents. The INAH statement continues: "In the second, there are images of individuals who—allude to ancestors who seem to inhabit the night sky, with stars, snakes, and other motifs typical of Mayan and Teotihuacan iconography." This relief emphasizes the intrinsic connection of the rulers with the figures they venerated. The last scene depicts several mythological animals related to constellations, with snakes intertwined throughout. The INAH concludes: "Meanwhile, the third scene shows a set of mythological animals associated with constellations." The third relief reinforces this connection and delves into the esoteric union through the use of mythological animals and constellations.

Archaeologists also discovered a ball court during excavations at Dzibanché, similar to those found in all Maya cities and likely intended for a ritual and quite violent game. Sandra Balanzario Granados, head of the Archaeological Site Improvement Program in Dzibanché, said, "This is a great finding for us. Although we had [found] stucco reliefs on larger buildings, we would never have thought of finding such decorated façades on a ballcourt with such profound meanings as these ones apparently have." Researchers believe these ball courts were intended for a ritual and quite violent game, and archaeologists say the ceremonial ball games were sometimes linked to human sacrifices.

The Kaanu'l dynasty became a dominant force, rivaling the equally powerful city-state of Tikal. It is thought to have defeated and controlled Tikal at various points in history. The stories of the Kaanu'l rulers were documented in hieroglyphic texts, providing insights into their reign and achievements. During this period, Maya rulers were considered celestial representations of the gods on Earth. The constructions were used to reaffirm the rulers' importance, both physical and divine.

Professor Hoopes explained, "In 378 CE, a group of warriors from Teotihuacán in central Mexico entered the Maya lowlands and successfully overthrew the leader of Tikal. Several Maya sites now show that their royal dynasties had ties to Teotihuacán." Snake imagery is common at both Teotihuacán and in the Maya area. "The sky imagery is especially interesting because both cultures were interested in astronomy. Animals were significant for both. The sky was regarded as Xibalba, the Underworld," he said. The stucco reliefs at Dzibanché incorporate these themes, showing the deep mythological and celestial beliefs that motivated the Maya reign.

"One interpretation is that Maya kings became celestial objects after they died: the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, etc. The Maya king going into the sky is the theme of the Sarcophagus Lid at Palenque," Professor Hoopes added. A spokesperson for INAH said the scenes gave "new clues about the power of the Kaanu'l." The invaluable importance of these designs lies in what they represent: scenes of the powerful Kaanu'l dynasty. The discoveries at Dzibanché offer a vision of the mythological and celestial beliefs that underpinned Maya society and provide new insights into the Kaanu'l dynasty's influence and connections.

Dynastic snakehead emblem glyphs at other sites also refer to these so-called Snake Kings and Queens. The Kaanu'l dynasty is thought to have defeated and controlled Tikal at various points in history. The stories of the Kaanu'l rulers were documented in hieroglyphic texts, providing insights into their reign and achievements. It is thought a central part of the displays may have been removed at a later date by the city's residents, presumably after the dynasty collapsed around 650 AD.

Maya ballcourts served as venues for athletic and religious events, symbolizing regeneration and the continuity of Maya existence, with ceremonial games played at Dzibanché. Professor Hoopes stated, "There are clear associations of ballcourts with sacrifices. The Kiche’ creation story in the Popol Vuh makes direct references to ballgames and human sacrifice." During excavations at Dzibanché, archaeologists discovered a ball court, which is similar to those found in all Maya cities and was likely intended for a ritual and quite violent game.

The Maya built one of the most powerful empires in the world. The ancient Maya civilization conquered the territories of Belize, Guatemala, southeastern Mexico, and some regions of Honduras and El Salvador. Behind the Maya's impressive power lies a series of secrets, customs, traditions, and spiritual and cultural practices that conceal the true origin of their great influence. Hundreds of archaeologists are dedicated to uncovering treasures that explain the true essence of Maya society.

As construction continues on the Maya Train, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has unearthed numerous artifacts related to the Maya civilization. To this day, archaeologists are finding buildings of this great civilization. The discoveries at Dzibanché not only shed light on the Kaanu'l dynasty but also contribute to the broader understanding of Maya history and culture.

The constructions were used to reaffirm the rulers' importance, both physical and divine. Each of the three reliefs offers a vision of the mythological and celestial beliefs that motivated the Maya reign. The second relief emphasizes the intrinsic connection of the rulers with the figures they venerated. The third relief reinforces this connection and delves into the esoteric union through the use of mythological animals and constellations.

When the Spaniards reached the region, the Maya high culture had long since passed its peak. However, the recent discoveries at Dzibanché provide new clues about the power of the Kaanu'l dynasty and the complexities of Maya civilization. The invaluable importance of these designs lies in what they represent: scenes of the powerful Kaanu'l dynasty, offering a deeper understanding of their influence and legacy.

Sources: Express.co.uk, El Cronista, Süddeutsche Zeitung

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq