Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time

For the first time, archaeologists have deciphered Mayan mural symbols to reveal the name of an ancient astronomer and mathematician. The discovery, announced by Guatemala's Ministry of Culture, stems from inscriptions found at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site, near the Mexican border.

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Researchers at Xultun unearthed a 'complete mathematical and astronomical formula' authored by Sak Tahn Waax, which translates to White-chested Fox.

The name "White-chested Fox," which translates from the Mayan "Sak Tahn Waax," was identified in drawings dating between 400 BC and 900 AD. Luis Mendez, Guatemala's Culture Minister, stated that researchers unearthed what appears to be a "complete mathematical and astronomical formula" attributed to Sak Tahn Waax. This work is considered unique, being the only known piece from the Maya Classic period explicitly linked to a mathematician.

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It's the only work of its kind attributed to a mathematician from the Maya Classic period, considered the peak of the Mesoamerican civilization.

The breakthrough was achieved through the epigraphic analysis of over 50 "mathematical and astronomical microtexts" inscribed on the wall. Researchers utilized drawings, photographs, and digitally enhanced scans of the inscriptions. This process ultimately revealed 11 hieroglyphs that could be deciphered, providing insights into the Maya's scientific and daily life, as the glyphs appeared in a context where art and science were intertwined.

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The discovery was 'made possible by the epigraphic analysis of more than 50 mathematical and astronomical microtexts written on the wall,'

In addition to identifying the astronomer's name, the inscriptions contained calculations and tables using astronomical and calendrical units. The Maya civilization, which reached its peak during the Classic period, experienced a decline around 900 AD, eventually collapsing with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of their advanced knowledge.

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The glyphs appeared in 'a context where art was intertwined with science, mathematics, astronomy and everyday life,'