In the historic Mayan city of Moral-Reforma, archaeologists recently discovered a sizable burial site concealed beneath a colossal temple-pyramid.
The temple-pyramid is in Moral-Reforma, an ancient Mayan settlement, according to experts.
The 20 human burials, the majority of which were young adult males, were discovered in two groupings that corresponded to several eras, according to a report released on April 19 by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History.
The earlier set of remains is believed to date from between 300 B.C. and 250 A.D., while the more recent group is believed to date from between 600 A.D. and 900 A.D.
Some skulls had signs of purposeful deformities that indicated elevated social status, experts said.
Experts noted that the deformational characteristics of the skulls in each group were consistent with higher social standing. Jade inlays could be seen in the dental remnants of two of the skulls from the second group of remains.
Archaeologists have concluded that the burials were probably offerings connected to a Mayan deity as a way of consecrating the temple based on the depth and style of burial, according to the institute. A few of the burials were mutilated or beheaded.
Two of the unearthed skulls had jade inlays in their teeth, archaeologists said.
According to the researchers, some of the bodies were interred upright or seated, while others had already been interred and relocated to the temple's burial ground.
A Mayan Enclave for Moral Reformation
The Mayan enclave of Moral-Reforma, which historically served as a hub for cultural interchange along the banks of the San Pedro Mártir River, was the location of the burial site, according to the institute.
The remains of two adult males that were unearthed at the site.
Experts estimate that the city prospered for centuries after its establishment in 300 B.C. until about 1000 A.D.
According to the organization, the Moral-Reforma Archaeological Project is a continuing effort to explore and comprehend the city and its past. After discovering what they did in the temple, the project's archaeologists started working on another structure.
