Guatemala — Ekhbary News Agency
Archaeologists in Guatemala have successfully deciphered the name of an ancient Mayan astronomer and mathematician, a first for the civilization. The significant breakthrough, announced Monday by Guatemala's Ministry of Culture, reveals the identity "White-chested Fox" from mural symbols at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Unveiling Sak Tahn Waax's Legacy
The name, identified as Sak Tahn Waax, translates to "White-chested Fox," and was found within intricate drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD near the Mexican border. Culture Minister Luis Mendez confirmed researchers at Xultun unearthed a "complete mathematical and astronomical formula" authored by this individual. This work stands as the sole known attribution to a mathematician from the Maya Classic period, considered the civilization's zenith, quite the feat for ancient scholarship.
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Advanced Astronomical Insights Revealed
The ministry's statement highlighted that over 50 mathematical and astronomical microtexts inscribed on the wall made this epigraphic analysis possible. Beyond the astronomer's name, researchers identified complex calculations and tables utilizing sophisticated astronomical and calendrical units of time. Digital enhancement of drawings, photographs, and scans revealed 11 decipherable hieroglyphs, showcasing art's deep intertwining with science, mathematics, and daily life in Mayan society. This discovery offers unparalleled insight into the intellectual achievements of the Maya.
