Discovery Reveals Ancient Mayan Mathematician’s Identity
Archaeologists have achieved a groundbreaking discovery at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site near the Mexican border. For the first time, they have transcribed mural symbols to uncover the name of an ancient Mayan astronomer and mathematician. Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture announced this revelation on Monday.
The inscriptions revealed the name “White-chested Fox,” attributed to the Mayan scholar Sak Tahn Waax. This discovery sets a historical milestone, as it is the only known work of its kind linked to a mathematician from the Maya Classic period, which spans from 400 BC to 900 AD. This era marks the peak of Mesoamerican civilization.
“The discovery was made possible by the epigraphic analysis of more than 50 mathematical and astronomical microtexts written on the wall.” – Ministry of Culture
The research team identified calculations and tables that incorporate astronomical and calendrical units of time. These findings emerged through the analysis of drawings, photographs, and scans of the inscriptions. Advanced digital enhancement techniques allowed researchers to decode 11 hieroglyphs, offering new insights into the interplay between art, science, mathematics, and daily life during the Maya civilization.
Guatemala’s Culture Minister, Luis Mendez, highlighted the significance of these hieroglyphs in understanding the integration of scientific knowledge in ancient Mayan society. The civilization began to decline around 900 AD, eventually collapsing with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
In recent years, there have been other significant archaeological finds related to the Maya. Last year, researchers uncovered a Mayan city in northern Guatemala, complete with pyramids and monuments, dating back nearly 3,000 years. Additionally, in 2024, a notable discovery was made in Mexico of a widespread Maya city hidden within the jungle. Advanced laser technology was employed to pierce the dense vegetation and reveal these ruins.