Crypt in Ancient Mayan City Provides Archaeologists Insight Into Death Rituals

A crypt in the ancient Mayan city of Tonina, in modern-day southeastern Mexico, was rediscovered in 2020. In it, archaeologists found 400 vessels containing human ashes. Mixed in were roots and rubber which historians think may inform us about what these Mayans believed happened after death. Juan Yadeun, an archaeologist on the site, believes important people in the community were turned into balls used in sports after their death.