Archaeologists say tomb of likely Maya queen discovered in Guatemalan ruins

GUATEMALA CITY – Archaeologists say a stone jar found at burial chamber in northern Guatemala leads them to believe it is the tomb of a great Maya queen.

The team of U.S. and Guatemalan experts led by anthropologist David Freidel has also found other evidence, such as ceramic vessels and a large stone with carvings referring it as the burial site of Lady K'abel, considered the military governor of an ancient Maya city during the seventh century.

A statement Thursday from Guatemala's cultural ministry says the alabaster jar showed the head and arm of an aged woman and glyphs pointing to the name of the queen.

Freidel, who is from Washington University in St. Louis, said the findings at the ruins of El Peru-Waka were unexpected.