The find was made in the Mayan city of Pakbitune on the territory of the state of Belize.
During the excavation of the grave of an ancient warrior in Belize, archaeologists have found two trophy skulls, their study can shed light on the reasons for the collapse of the once mighty Mayan civilization. One of the scientists Gabriel Wrobel shared his thoughts on the discovery on Phys.org.
The find was made in the Mayan city of Pakbitune on the territory of the state of Belize. Archaeologists have examined the burial of a warrior over 1000 years old and unexpectedly discovered terrible artifacts in the tomb - two decorated human skulls. According to scientists, they were designed to be worn around the neck.
In all likelihood, these were symbols of Maya military power: war booty, which are made from the severed heads of enemies. Scientists said the artifacts found were similar to images of trophy skulls that were placed on ceramics and stones.
The holes made in the bones also speak in favor of this version. It is possible that leather belts were threaded through them. It is noted that the back of the skulls was cut off, apparently in order to make it more convenient to wear trophies on the chest.
On one of the jaws, scientists have found a previously unknown Mayan symbol. Expert Christoph Helmke, who specializes in the study of the Mayan civilization, identified it as the first known scientific term for "trophy skull".
Scientist Gabriel Wrobel believes that this find could help uncover the secret of the collapse of a once powerful civilization. There is no opinion on the reasons for this. Previously, researchers blamed political turmoil and drought for the Mayan collapse.
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Research shows that civil conflict was a possible cause of the collapse of civilization. The northern city-states gained power and fought successful wars against the southern cities that were falling into decay.
After some time, the center of Mayan political life moved north, to Yucatan, and this led to the collapse. This is indicated by the fact that images with warriors wearing trophy skulls were found in northern cities. The northerners did not hide their military sentiments, but rather focused on them.
Alexandra Arsentieva