Mexico finds 2 sculptures of Mayan warriors

[Judi Lynn]

Mexico finds 2 sculptures of Mayan warriors
July 7th, 2011 @ 1:59pm

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Archaeologists say they have found two 1,300-year-old limestone sculptures of captured Mayan warriors in southern Mexico.

They say the life-size, elaborate sculptures could provide information about the alliances and wars among Mayan capitals during the civilization's twilight.

Mexican archaeologist Juan Yadeun says the 5-foot (1.5-meter) tall sculptures were found in May in the archaeological site of Tonina in southern Chiapas state along with two stone ball game scoreboards.

He says the discovery could help prove that warriors from Copan helped those in Palenque in their 26-year war against Tonina for control of the Usumacinta river.

Mexican archaeologists announced the discovery Wednesday.

http://www.620ktar.com/category/world-news-articles/20110707/Mexico-finds-2-sculptures-of-Mayan-warriors/

[Judi Lynn]

1. Mayan Warrior Sculptures DIscovered In Mexico

Mayan Warrior Sculptures DIscovered In Mexico
AP/The Huffington Post First Posted: 7/8/11 10:41 AM ET Updated: 7/8/11 10:41 AM ET

http://i.huffpost.com.nyud.net:8090/gen/304229/thumbs/r-MAYA-SCULPTURES-large570.jpg

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican archaeologists have found two 1,300-year-old limestone sculptures of captured Mayan warriors that they say could shed light on the alliances and wars among Mayan cities during the civilization's twilight. (Scroll down for photos)

The life-size, elaborate sculptures of two warriors sitting cross-legged with hands tied behind their backs were found in May in the archaeological site of Tonina in southern Chiapas state along with two stone ballgame scoreboards.

The 5-foot (1.5-meter) tall sculptures have hieroglyphic inscriptions on their loincloths and chest that say the warriors belonged to the city of Copan, archaeologist Juan Yadeun said in a news release Wednesday.

Yadeun said the discovery proves warriors from Copan helped those in Palenque during the city's' 26-year war against Tonina for control of the Usumacinta river.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/mayan-warrior-sculptures-discovered-mexico-_n_893163.html#s305423

4 photos follow the article.