At Ucanal, Guatemala, researchers, led by Dr. Christina T. Halperin, unveiled a Mayan political ritual involving burnt royal remains. This “fire-entering rite” symbolized regime shifts, supported by radiocarbon dating placing the event between AD 773 and 881. Witnessed by locals, it signifies Maya’s active engagement in political transformation, emphasizing their dynamic political landscape and symbolic transition between ruling dynasties.

​At Ucanal, Guatemala, researchers, led by Dr. Christina T. Halperin, unveiled a Mayan political ritual involving burnt royal remains. This “fire-entering rite” symbolized regime shifts, supported by radiocarbon dating placing the event between AD 773 and 881. Witnessed by locals, it signifies Maya’s active engagement in political transformation, emphasizing their dynamic political landscape and symbolic transition between ruling dynasties. 

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