Archaeologists have recently made a significant discovery at the ancient Maya site of Cobá, located in Mexico”s Yucatán Peninsula. A stone staircase, known as the Foundation Rock, has revealed an extensive hieroglyphic text that identifies the name of a powerful queen from 1,400 years ago, Ix Ch”ak Ch”een.
The Foundation Rock, found during excavations by researchers from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), features 123 hieroglyph panels. Although erosion has damaged the stone, ongoing studies are yielding valuable insights into the region”s history. Cobá was a prominent city in the Maya civilization, thriving from around 350 B.C. until the 14th century.
Recent efforts to interpret the hieroglyphs have been aided by the discovery of 23 stelae, freestanding inscribed stone pillars that provide additional context. Octavio Esparza Olguín, a researcher from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, has been at the forefront of this research. He successfully matched one panel from the Foundation Rock with two stelae, confirming that they both referred to Ix Ch”ak Ch”een.
While the texts mention the coronation of the queen, the precise dates of her reign remain unclear. Nonetheless, her name is linked to various construction projects, indicating her significance in the political and architectural landscape of Cobá. The site was known for its elite houses and played a vital role in the region”s history.
Esparza noted that the investigation into the Foundation Rock has provided essential information regarding the dynastic rulers and historical events that occurred in Cobá, although research is still ongoing. The findings underscore the importance of female leadership in the Maya civilization, particularly during the Late Classic period when women like Ix Ch”ak Ch”een held considerable power.
The discoveries at Cobá not only shed light on the city”s past but also contribute to the broader understanding of Maya history and the role of women within it.
