Recently uncovered artifacts reveal a poignant history within a courtyard in Tikal, where three infants were buried in close proximity to an altar. Each burial involved removing sections of the stone floor, delicately placing the small remains beneath, and sealing the area with crushed limestone. This unique burial method diverges from typical practices seen in Tikal and aligns more closely with customs observed in the distant city of Teotihuacan, where similar burials have been documented.
The findings suggest that the residents of this compound may have originated from Teotihuacan or belonged to a community that had established a presence within Tikal. This compound is notably situated near a replica of Teotihuacan’s Feathered Serpent Pyramid, where archaeologists have also discovered local versions of Teotihuacan-style incense burners.
This rendering illustrates what the altar may have appeared like during its prime.
Credit:
Heather Hurst
A Transition in Time
Between 550 CE and 654 CE, as suggested by radiocarbon dating, the enclave associated with Teotihuacan in Tikal experienced significant changes, coinciding with the decline of Teotihuacan’s influence. The conclusion of this phase involved a ritualistic process known as “killing” the site, which entailed burning the surrounding area of the altar and subsequently burying it, along with adjacent buildings, under layers of soil and debris.
This intentional burial was carried out with the aim of disguising the site as a natural hill, a departure from typical Maya practices where structures were normally rebuilt on top of abandoned sites. Andrew Scherer, an archaeologist from Brown University and co-author of the recent study, noted the unusual nature of this burial. He remarked that while Maya civilization often involved construction atop previous structures, in this instance, the altar and its surroundings were sealed and left undisturbed, suggesting a complex emotional response towards the legacy of Teotihuacan.
Antiquity, 2017. DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.3 (About DOIs).
