Ancient Maya Palace Found in Guatemala

A royal palace and the remains of an ancient Maya city--one of the richest yet known--were recently found deep in a neglected part of a Guatemalan rain forest, scientists announced Thursday.

The site, called Cancuen, has been known for a century but was generally dismissed as a place of little interest.

Now Vanderbilt University archeologist Arthur Demarest says an enormous three-story palace showing signs of extraordinary riches is hidden within a tree-covered mound of rock, debris and dirt. Even the common people in the surrounding city bore elaborate decorations, such as jade dental inlays.

Best of all, he said, the city and palace, near the small present-day town of El Zapote, have not been looted thoroughly, although some artifacts have been taken. For the most part, the palace is still hidden.

“It has 11 courtyards, more than 170 rooms around them, and three levels,” Demarest said.