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Tucked away within a dense jungle shroud near the Guatemalan border in Belize are the remains of a largely unexplored ancient Maya center known as Chan Chich.
The site is best known to the public and to tourists as the location of a top-ranked eco-lodge by the same name.
Less known, however, is evidence of a likely array of ancient temples, tombs and artifacts that still rest mostly unseen beneath thick vegetation and rubble that has cloaked their features through centuries of time.
Like so many other Maya sites, it was a target for looters. When rediscovered, three structures thought to be temples showed strong evidence of looting -- vertical slit trenches were dug into their sides.
A large temple in the site's Upper Plaza area, perhaps the main temple, showed clear signs of intrusion into one or more burial chambers. This temple features a painted frieze that skirts around a low interior ceiling.
In 1997, the Chan Chich Archaeological Project excavated a Terminal Preclassic/Early Classic period Maya tomb at Chan Chich, Belize. Tomb 2 represents the earliest royal tomb in the Three Rivers Region of the east-central Yucatan Peninsula and has striking similarities to Burial 85 at Tikal, the tomb of the dynastic founder Yax Ehb' Xook. . Tomb 2 is also an example of an early royal burial pattern that may be more widespread than believed but has been overlooked due to excavation bias.
Located deep in the forested northwestern corner Belize, Chan Chich Lodge is an elegant and luxurious retreat set amongst the plazas of the Chan Chich Maya ruins and surrounded on all sides by unexcavated pyramids and the largest contiguous forest north of the Amazon basin. One of the most remote and unique properties in Belize, Chan Chich offers excellent value and a wonderful array of nature–oriented activities.
Originally posted by japhrimu
If I had the money, I'd do it... Probably. I'd have to get accepted to the school, but I think I could do that. Sounds fun, or like an interesting adventure at least, even if the work I'd be doing, I'm guessing, is mundane most of the time. Honestly, I'd like to accidentally get "lost" and have to do some "looking around" to find my way back. Not the most scientifically organized, which it sounds like the work offered is, but I'd post findings here!