Oldest Maya Long Count calendar date may reveal how royalty turned time into power
8d 1h ago by piefed.ca/u/ZeroCool in archaeology@mander.xyz from phys.org
Archaeologists working at the ancient Maya site of El Palmar in Campeche, Mexico, have discovered what may be the earliest known Long Count calendar date in the Maya lowlands. It is carved into a stone monument and is interpreted as Aug. 31, AD 180, in our modern calendar. The finding could reveal insights into how the earliest Maya rulers used time to stake their claim to the throne.
The discovery suggests that early Maya rulers were using sophisticated political messaging in this region much earlier than previously assumed. By linking their rise to power to a sacred, cosmic context or timeline, they could consolidate their control.
Sneaky bastards