Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sacrifice altar found in jungle reveals crossover of ancient cultures

An illustration of the altar recently discovered by archaeologist Lorena Paiz, right
An illustration of the altar recently discovered by archaeologist Lorena Paiz, right (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
  • In Tikal National Park, Guatemala, an altar from the Teotihuacan culture has been discovered, revealing interactions between the Maya and Teotihuacan civilizations.
  • The altar, believed to be used for child sacrifices, was found in a dwelling alongside the remains of three children.
  • This discovery highlights Tikal's cosmopolitan nature during 300-500 A.D., where diverse cultures converged.
  • The altar's presence confirms interconnections between the two cultures, particularly their shared practice of sacrifice as a means of connecting with celestial bodies.
  • Located approximately 325 miles north of Guatemala City, the site remains protected and is not currently accessible to the public.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in