Trent University alumnus Dr. Jaime Awe’s ‘78 unprecedented discovery at an excavation site in Xunantunich, Belize, is exciting researchers across the archaeological field, and curious onlookers from around the world.

Dr. Awe, who led a team of archaeologists from Northern Arizona University and the Belize Institute of Archaeology, uncovered one of the largest tombs to ever be discovered in Belize – one that offers unique insight into ancient Mayan civilization.

An assistant professor of Anthropology at Northern Arizona University, Professor Awe received his B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology from Trent University in 1981 and 1985.

The tomb he discovered, a large burial chamber up to eight meters beneath the surface, contained several unique and intriguing objects, including hieroglyphic panels that provide clues to a “snake dynasty” that conquered many of its neighbours some 1,300 years ago.  The panels fill in significant historical gaps in the story of Mayan dynasties and rule.

“It’s an exceptional find relating to one of the world’s most advanced civilizations of antiquity,” says Trent professor Dr. Paul Healy, professor emeritus of Anthropology and Prof. Awe’s graduate supervisor at Trent. “The hieroglyphic texts from the tomb at Xunantunich, Belize, when fully translated, likely will reveal a great deal of detail about the dynastic history and inter-city politics of the Late Classic Period (600-900 C.E.).”

In his youth, Prof. Awe revealed an appetite for archaeological discovery. Born and raised in a home minutes from ancient Maya ruins, in San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize, his childhood interest in digging up ancient artifacts evolved into an oversees education in Anthropology at Trent University, and a lifelong archaeology career, and now, a massively important and historically significant find.

“What’s amazing about the discovery of this tomb is that, we know that archaeologists have been working at Xunantunich since the 1890s," says Prof. Awe. "That’s more than a century of continuous archaeological work at the site. Never before have we found a tomb, this tomb is also remarkable in other ways, it is one of the largest burial chambers we have ever found.”

The tomb also contained a body, as well as jade beads, jaguar and deer bones, ceramic pots, obsidian blades and other personal possessions.

Prof. Awe’s important discovery has been featured in many publications and newspapers, including The Guardian and Smithsonian Magazine. He will also be a guest on the #TrentVoices podcast this fall.