Remains of Mayan queen found in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY (AFP) ― Archeologists have found a tomb with the remains of a Mayan queen, buried with treasures like jade jewelry and obsidian knives.

The American archeologist who made the discovery in the Peten jungle region, David Freidel, said Wednesday it one of the most important Mayan-related finds made so far.

The grave held gifts such as ceramic vases dating from between the 7th and 8th centuries, as well as sea shells, jade and the shiny black stone knives.

The remains of the woman have been sent to a lab in Guatemala City for DNA tests to be carried out.

Freidel said he has been working in Guatemala, Mexico and Belize for 43 years and this is his biggest find yet, because it involves a queen whose name is known ― apparently one named Kalomt’e K’abel.

Freidel has been overseeing excavation work at a site in a national park 600 kilometers north of the Guatemalan capital.