On July 8, 2025, Belize woke up to the news of a king, not just any king, but an ancient one, slumbering in the stone tomb at the Caracol archaeological site, deep in the Chiquibul National Park in western Belize. Confirmed by Belize’s Institute of Culture and History (NICH), the press release reads: “The Institute of Archaeology (IA), under the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), is pleased to announce a significant milestone in Belizean Archaeology. During the 2025 field season, the Caracol Archaeological Project uncovered the tomb of Te Kab Chaak, the first known ruler of Caracol and the founder of its royal dynasty. The team led by Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase from the University of Houston carried out this investigation under a formal Archaeological Permit issued by the Institute of Archaeology, NICH.”
The Tomb & Its Treasures
The tomb, located in the Northeast Acropolis at Caracol, contained an extraordinary assemblage of jadeite ornaments, carved bone tubes, pottery vessels, spondylus shell, and a mosaic jadeite mask.
These items reflect both local traditions and connections with central Mexico, particularly Teotihuacan, suggesting diplomatic relationships at the highest levels of society dating back to the early 4th century AD.
Why This Discovery Matters
The importance of this discovery is of great national and historical significance since it reinforces Belize’s role in ancient Mesoamerican networks. Highlighting the importance of archaeological preservation and study.
This research, supported by the University of Houston and several foundations, continues under the supervision and collaboration of the lA, NICH. Future analyses will include ancient DNA studies, isotope testing, and the reconstruction of artifacts such as the jadeite mask.
This discovery comes as Belize prepares to celebrate its 44th year of Independence. When standing alongside its neighbors, Belize is considered a young nation still navigating its identity, whether historical, cultural, or sociocultural. Its rich past is slowly being uncovered, shaping the present and impacting the nation. We hope that this find is one of many, as we are beyond proud to share this fantastic find.
It made International news!
CBS News also shared this exciting find highlighting the work by the husband and wife archeological team, “Archaeologists have been working at the site for over 40 years. Husband and wife team Arlen and Diane Chase, with the University of Houston, have been conducting excavations there for decades. The pair run the Caracol Archaeological Project. ”
The University of Houston also published a piece, “Archaeologists from the University of Houston working at Caracol in Belize, Central America have uncovered the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the first ruler of this ancient Maya city and the founder of its royal dynasty.”
Plan your Belize Vacation
Let history and curiosity guide you on your next Belize vacation. Contact us at reservations@chaacreek.com to plan your stay at The Lodge at Chaa Creek, ideally located in Western Belize and offering tours to Caracol, Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, and Tikal.
