Teotihuacan Altar Unearthed at Tikal Reveals a Violent Chapter in Maya History
A recently unearthed altar at Tikal, the ancient Mayan city in Guatemala, is rewriting our understanding of a pivotal period in Mayan history. Dating back to the late 300s AD, the altar's artistic style strongly resembles that of Teotihuacan, a powerful civilization located hundreds of miles away in modern-day Mexico. Researchers believe skilled artisans from Teotihuacan created the altar, suggesting a significant level of Teotihuacan influence and control over Tikal. This discovery, along with previous findings like a replicated Teotihuacan citadel and unique burial practices, points to a forceful takeover and subsequent regime change, highlighting a violent and transformative chapter in Mayan civilization. The altar's discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex and often contentious relationship between the two ancient empires.