Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time: "White-chested Fox"
CBS News • • science
Key Points:
- Archaeologists have deciphered mural symbols at the San Bartolo-Xultun site, revealing the name of a Mayan astronomer and mathematician, "White-chested Fox," dating from 400 BC to 900 AD.
- The discovery includes a complete mathematical and astronomical formula attributed to Sak Tahn Waax (White-chested Fox), marking the only known work of its kind from the Maya Classic period.
- Researchers analyzed over 50 mathematical and astronomical microtexts on the walls, using digital enhancement to decipher 11 hieroglyphs that link art with science, mathematics, and astronomy.
- The findings shed light on Mayan calculations and calendrical systems, providing insight into their advanced knowledge during the civilization's peak.
- This discovery follows recent archaeological work uncovering a nearly 3,000-year-old Mayan city in northern Guatemala, highlighting ongoing efforts to understand the ancient civilization.
