Excavations at a Mayan ruins of Xunantunich in Western Belize have led to the discovery of the largest Mayan tomb in the region in a century.

The tomb measuring 4.5 by 2.4 metres contained a male skeleton probably 20-30 years old at the time of his death, and numerous obsidian blades, ceramic vessels and chert flints. Unlike most Mayan tombs this one was built during the construction of the surrounding structure, whereas most Mayan tombs were built as additions to existing structures.

Perhaps the most important find comes from the staircase of the structure which included some hieroglyphic panels reporting the victory of Lord Kan II of the Snake Dynasty over the city of Narango. These panels may yet reveal more about the history of the Snake Dynasty even mentioning a previously unknown ruler of the Mexican site of Calakmul, Waxaklajuun Ubaah Kan who apparently ruled between 630 and 645AD.