 Scientists
in the Central American republic of Honduras have unearthed what
they believe could be the remains of one of the rulers of the
Mayan dynasty.
The relics
were found on Monday at a recently discovered archaeological site
in the west of the country less than two miles from the ancient
Mayan city of Copan.
This is the
first major breakthrough in digging in the area, which was first
come upon only two months ago when workmen were carrying out major
road repairs nearby.
The site,
which measures around 20,000 square metres, is believed to be
an extension to the mighty city of Copan, which until now has
been the best known archaeological site in Honduras.
The area contains
evidence of 27 buildings, believed to be the houses of some of
Copan's residents, as well as ten different tombs.
On top of
one of the tombs, scientists discovered a cranium, femur and pectoral
bones as well as a kneecap encrusted with jade, all of which are
thought to belong to one of Copan's 16 known rulers.
The Mayan
civilisation is believed to have lasted 1000 years
 Archaeologists
are convinced that the abundance of ceramics and other artefacts
close by indicate the importance of the person or persons buried
there.
They believe
the tomb was set in a courtyard used for ritual ceremonies to
which ordinary Mayans would not have had access.
Once the tomb
is fully opened, they expect to find the remains of other members
of royalty inside.
But experts
are still debating over the exact period to which the tomb and
its occupants would have belonged.
Another significant
find was made in Guatemala recently
 Relics
found at the site come from the sixth or seventh century, but
some of the ceramics near the grave could date back as far as
400 BC.
The Mayan
dynasty spread across the territory of four modern-day Central
American nations as well as Mexico and lasted for more than 1000
years.
Earlier this
month experts digging in the jungle of northern Guatemala unearthed
evidence of a huge new Mayan city previously ignored by archaeologists.
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