Massive Mayan Hieroglyphic Text Holds Secrets of Cobá’s Founding Dynasty
A remarkable discovery has emerged from the heart of the ancient Mayan world: an extensive Mayan glyph text has been uncovered in the Cobá Archaeological Zone, Quintana Roo. This newly unearthed treasure, inscribed with 123 hieroglyphic cartridges, offers detailed evidence into the rich history and culture of the region, shedding light on the founding of the town of Keh Witz Nal in 569 AD.
This significant find, announced by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), not only deepens our understanding of the ancient civilization that once thrived in the Yucatán Peninsula but also highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve and study these invaluable remnants of the past.
Excitement Over Cobá’s Ancient Script
The Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico, through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), has recovered a tablet with a Mayan hieroglyphic text, engraved on the rock of a pool near Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramidal structure in the Cobá Archaeological Zone, also known as the "City of Choppy Water," in Quintana Roo. Cobá had a continuous history spanning 1,300 years (100 BC–1200 AD).
The panel was found 160 meters from Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramidal structure in the Cobá Archaeological Zone. (INAH)
The discovery was announced at the morning press conference of the President of Mexico by the general director of the INAH, Diego Prieto Hernández, during a presentation on the progress of the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza) in sites on the eastern coast of the state, close to the route of Section 5 of the Mayan Train.
At Cobá, the Promeza archaeological work led to the identification of a waterhole with a causeway 160 meters (525 feet) from Nohoch Mul, which revealed a unique discovery: a panel composed of 123 hieroglyphic cartridges in an extensive L-shaped inscription, covering just over 11 square meters (118 sq ft), sculpted directly into the rock.
Glyph panel and glyph giving the foundation date and name of the town as ‘Keh Witz Nal’. (INAH)
Foundation, Rulers and Deities Detailed
A preliminary epigraphic study indicates that the inscriptions refer to the founding date of a town called Keh Witz Nal, or "Deer Mountain," corresponding to May 12, 569 AD. The name of a sovereign, K'awiil Ch'ak Chéen, has also been identified for the first time, filling a gap in the dynastic sequence of Cobá, according to the anthropologist.
This discovery, he said, corroborates that many of the rulers of this city-state (14 have been identified, including three women, one of whom ruled for four decades) adopted the name of the god K'awil, which endowed them with attributes as protective deities of the place.
The writing on the rock panel, said the head of the INAH, links historical events with the mythical past, "because it alludes to a group of tutelary gods who founded Cobá, such as Bolón Tz'akab Ajaw, 'Lord of Countless Generations,' responsible for the foundations of the corn and cocoa dynasties."
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Complicated Conservation Process
As part of the Promeza, Prieto Hernández pointed out that the Cobá archaeological project has extended its scope to protect this tablet from environmental factors that have caused its deterioration. A thorough cleaning process was implemented to remove the soil, salts, and weeds that covered it.
Subsequently, restoration began with the injection of lime mortar fillings to strengthen the rock internally, which has multiple external cavities where water stagnates during the rainy season. At the same time, a high-precision record of the glyphic text was made to create three-dimensional models that will allow for more in-depth epigraphic studies, aiming for complete decipherment.
Finding and Preserving Maya History
Prieto Hernández noted that, just as the Promeza actions in Cobá have provided new information to reconstruct the history of this important political center of ancient Mayan culture, six other archaeological sites on the eastern coast of Quintana Roo are benefiting from this program.
For example, in El Meco, located on the border between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, research and conservation tasks have been completed. Meanwhile, the renovation of signage and interpretive trails, in addition to infrastructure work, are 40 and 65 percent complete, respectively.
In Tulum, progress is more advanced, with only the placement of signs in the Nauyacas and Cresterías architectural groups remaining.
Located in the Jaguar National Park in Tulum, the Museum of the Eastern Coast will showcase the evolution of the Mayan cities of the Caribbean coast in pre-Hispanic times, displaying pieces recovered during the work of the Promeza. Its inauguration is scheduled for September 2024.
On the other hand, the INAH head continued, in Muyil, research and conservation work has been completed, exposing 11 buildings previously hidden from the public. Signage and infrastructure work continues, with progress exceeding 30 percent.
“Thanks to Promeza, Xel-Há is also being rediscovered. In addition to the research and conservation work at this site, which is small in size but holds great treasures, such as its exquisite mural painting, the construction of the Visitor Center has been completed. In Sian Ka'an, the final steps involve putting up signage and setting up interpretive trails on a route that will offer another perspective of this Biosphere Reserve.”
Prieto Hernández concluded:
“Finally, in the Paamul II circuit, the consortia involved in Section 5 of the Mayan Train have provided solutions to reconcile the preservation of the natural and archaeological wealth of the site. This will include four areas: the Paamul II Archaeological Zone and the Garra Jaguar, Manitas, and Ocho Balas caves.”
Top image: Extensive Mayan glyph text discovered in the Cobá Archaeological Zone, Quintana Roo. Source: INAH
This article is an adapted press release by INAH, originally titled, ‘Extensive Mayan glyph text discovered in the Cobá Archaeological Zone, in Quintana Roo’.