During the construction of the Calakmul station, part of Section 7 of the Maya Train project in Mexico, archaeologists from the National Insтιтute of Anthropology and History (INAH) unearthed an ancient Maya palace complex ᴀssociated with Balamkú.

Illustrative image: South Group, Balamku, Mexico. Credit: Nioux

The discovery was made approximately 3.5 kilometers from the Balamkú Archaeological Zone, a site known for its historical significance from around 300 BCE during the Late Preclassic period through to the Terminal Classic period (CE 800–1000). The Balamkú site itself spans roughly 25 hectares (62 acres) and includes a variety of structures such as pyramids, a ballcourt, plazas, and other architectural remains. The newly discovered palace complex, however, has been linked to both the Río Bec and Chenes architectural styles, which are characteristic of the Maya region.

Juan Jesús Guadalupe García Ramírez, an archaeologist with INAH, supervised the excavation at the site, located at kilometer 95.500 of the Escárcega-Chetumal federal highway, in the Nuevo Conhuás ejido, municipality of Calakmul.

The palace complex is built on a rectangular stone base with rounded corners and features a central courtyard with five structures made from worked limestone ashlars. Notably, a limestone sculpture of Ah Puch, the Maya god of death and earthquakes, was found at the site. Ah Puch, also known as “The Stinky One” or “Cizin,” is depicted in the sculpture with a large phallus, erect tabular cranial deformation, a skull mask, a nose ornament, and a pectoral—all attributes commonly ᴀssociated with this deity. This finding suggests that the palace may have been dedicated to Ah Puch.

A relief column depicting Ah Puch, the Maya god of death and earthquakes, dated between 800 and 1000 CE. Musée du quai Branly. Credit: Sukkoria / CC BY-SA 4.0

In addition to the sculpture, a circular structure was uncovered at the center of the complex. This structure contained funerary offerings, including human remains such as skull fragments and teeth, along with a pair of polychrome ceramic bowls, which still retain traces of red pigment. These artifacts provide further evidence of the site’s ceremonial and ritual use in ancient times.

To preserve this important archaeological find, the INAH team is undertaking meticulous efforts to dismantle and reconstruct the palace complex. This process involves marking each stone block alphanumerically and digitally recording the site using aerial pH๏τogrammetry.

The reconstruction of four main monuments, including a prominent temple measuring 20 meters in length by 10 meters in width, is currently underway. This temple features a stepped design on its north side and a half-moon shape with rounded corners on its south side. The careful restoration of these monuments aims to provide a second life for these ancient structures and will allow for their public display in an interactive museum setting near the Calakmul station.

More information: INAH