Nestled deep in the Mexican jungle on the Yucatán Peninsula lies the ancient Maya city of Cobá. This once-thriving cultural hub, boasting an estimated 50,000 inhabitants at its peak, has been a treasure trove of history and archaeology for researchers. The city, believed to have been built as early as 50 BCE and continuously inhabited for over 1,500 years, is now in ruins but still holds valuable insights into the lives of the Maya people who once called it home.
Recently, archaeologists uncovered a hidden gem in Cobá – a vast stone slab tucked away in what was once the floor of a sacred pool near the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid. This stone slab, with an inscription consisting of 123 glyphs carved into its surface, has provided a wealth of information about the city’s history. Among the glyphs found on the slab, researchers identified the founding date of a town called Keh Witz Nal, or “Deer Mountain”, on 12 May 569 CE. Additionally, the inscription revealed the name of a previously unknown Maya ruler – K’awiil Ch’ak Chéen, invoking the Maya god of lightning.
The glyphs on the stone slab also reference the gods believed to have founded Cobá, including Bolón Tz’akab Ajaw, the lord of countless generations. This discovery sheds light on the religious and spiritual beliefs of the Maya people and provides valuable insights into the rulers and deities worshiped in the ancient city. The meticulous carving and arrangement of the glyphs on the stone slab indicate the importance of the information presented and the care taken by the Maya in preserving their history.
As the archaeological team continues to study the inscription and unravel its secrets, efforts are also being made to preserve and protect the stone slab from further damage. A detailed, high-resolution 3D reconstruction has been created to aid in further research without disturbing the delicate surface of the stone. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico has been leading the charge in carefully excavating and restoring the monuments of Cobá that have been lost to the jungle and the passage of time.
The discovery of the stone slab in Cobá has opened up new avenues for research and exploration into the rich history of the ancient Maya civilization. As archaeologists delve deeper into the inscription and its implications, the story of Cobá and its people continues to unfold. Through meticulous excavation, preservation, and study, the hidden treasures of this once-thriving city are slowly being revealed, offering a glimpse into the past and preserving the legacy of the Maya for generations to come.
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