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Archaeologists Identify Eighth-Century Maya Mathematician Signature in Guatemala
Researchers have found the first known signature of a Maya mathematician and astronomer at an eighth-century site in Xultun, Guatemala. The discovery adds a named individual to records previously limited to anonymous scribes and calendar specialists.
Jul 17, 5:19 PM·1m read2 sources
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Archaeologists working at a site in Xultun, Guatemala, have identified the signature of an eighth-century Maya mathematician and astronomer. The find marks the first time such a signature has been recorded. The signature appears on artifacts examined during recent fieldwork.
Archaeologists stated that the markings link a specific person to calculations and observations previously known only through unsigned texts.
The site contains structures and inscriptions from the Classic period. Researchers said the new identification expands the known range of named specialists in Maya records. Further analysis of the signature and surrounding context is planned. The team will compare the markings with other inscriptions at the site to determine additional connections.
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