SNAKE DYNASTY - Archaeologists discover rare, intact Maya tomb

Rare tomb could shed light on elusive dynasty.

Archaeologists have uncovered a Maya tomb containing treasure and a body. The rare discovery was made in Belize, among the ruins of the ancient city of Xunantunich.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Archaeologists have found an intact Maya tomb. The discovery is rare and several artifacts have been found.

The tomb was purposely built and located at the bottom of a staircase, a rarity for the Maya. The Maya built a temple around the site. The staircase was eventually filled in by dirt and debris, obscuring it entirely.

The body within the tomb is described as young, muscular and athletic. The person was likely between the ages of 20 and 30. Archaeologists have dated the tomb to about seventh or eighth century AD.

Inside the tomb, they have found 36 clay jars, 13 obsidian blades, and jade beads. The bones of deer and jaguar were also found inside.

The city of Xunantunich was part of a small Mayan kingdom which appears to have used the snake as a sacred symbol. Archaeologists refer to the civilization as a "snake dynasty."

Inside the tomb are panels taken from another site and left inside with the deceased. The panels have hieroglyphics that tell the history of the snake dynasty. The panels appear to be deliberately disordered, possibly an effort to confuse the history or to show disrespect to their makers. They may be a trophy or an offering to the deceased.

Excavations continue at the site.

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