March 27, 2017

Very Early Royal Palace Excavated in Oaxaca

A royal palace has been excavated in Oaxaca dating to 300 BCE. The early date for this palace gives new insight into early state development in Oaxaca. The site is called El Palenque. Researchers have been excavating there since 1993. The palace is multifunctional, with courts and buildings for govenment functionaries, along with the ruler’s residential quarters. An  analysis of radio carbon dates on charcoal samples and ceramics in the walls of the palace confirm the early date.

The research is published in the peer reviewed journal PNAS.org
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/03/21/1701336114

The International Business Times has the story here;
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/giant-ancient-palace-unearthed-mexico-was-rulers-home-seat-government-1613944

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