Archaeologists have uncovered the name of an astronomer and mathematician from the ancient Mayan civilization for the first time. The discovery was made at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site near the Mexican border, according to Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture.
The name “White-chested Fox,” translated from Sak Tahn Waax, was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD. Researchers at Xultun discovered a complete mathematical and astronomical formula attributed to this figure, marking a rare instance of individual authorship from the Maya Classic period.
Culture Minister Luis Mendez stated that this unique finding was facilitated by epigraphic analysis of over 50 mathematical and astronomical microtexts on the site’s mural walls. These texts incorporated calculations and tables using astronomical and calendrical units, blending art with science and daily life.
To identify the astronomer’s name, researchers utilized drawings, photographs, and scans of the inscriptions. Digital enhancement revealed 11 decipherable hieroglyphs, showing a fusion of art, science, mathematics, and astronomy.
The Maya civilization peaked before declining around 900 AD, eventually collapsing with the Spanish arrival in the 16th century. Modern archaeological efforts continue to unveil more about this culture. Last year, the ministry announced the discovery of a Mayan city with pyramids and monuments in northern Guatemala. In 2024, a student discovered a sprawling Maya city hidden in the jungle of Mexico through aerial laser scanning techniques.