Tomb of Caracol King Discovered

Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase of the University of Houston have uncovered the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the founding ruler of Caracol’s royal dynasty. This is according to the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH).

The discovery, made during the 2025 field season under an official permit from the Institute of Archaeology, marks the first confirmed tomb of an identifiable ruler found at the site in over 40 years.

Te K’ab Chaak, who ascended to the throne in 331 AD, was interred at the base of the royal family shrine. His burial included an array of prestigious artefacts: 11 intricately crafted pottery vessels, carved bone tubes, jadeite jewellery, a mosaic jadeite mask, Pacific spondylus shells, and other perishable materials, each item a testament to his royal status and the city’s wealth.

According to NICH, this extraordinary find not only sheds light on the origins of Caracol’s political power but also reinforces its status as a major center of influence in the ancient Maya world. The tomb’s contents and location provide critical insights into early Maya rulership and ceremonial practices.

“This discovery is of national importance,” stated Dr. Melissa Badillo, Director of The Institute of Archaeology. “It reinforces Belize’s critical role in ancient Mesoamerican networks and highlights the value of preserving and studying our archaeological heritage.”