Robot Cameras Amazing Tour of 1,500-Year-Old Mayan Tomb

The floor of the long sealed Mayan tomb appears covered with detritus and it is not immediately evident if it contains recognizable remains. But archaeologist Martha Cuevas said jade and shell fragments discovered are "part of a funerary costume." (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

A 1,500-year-old Mayan burial chamber visited for the first time ever via remote camera sits beneath this crumbling and unstable Mayan pyramid, authorities said. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

Under the temple archaeological site is a burial chamber containing the remains of a former high official of the Mayan city, archaeologists said. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

National Institute of Anthropology and History researcher Martha Cuevas coordinates archaeological work in this ancient, pre-Hispanic structure. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

This building has a pyramidal base that covers over 200 square feet. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

In the upper portion of the temple, of which only some pillars remain, is a portal offering access to the interior of the pyramid. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The well from the top of the temple is nearly three feet deep. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

INAH archaeologists obtained images from inside the burial chamber in the Southern Acropolis of Palenque, which no one had entered in 1,500 years. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

Inside the mortuary enclosure, the walls of the crypt are clearly decorated with murals. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

These historic pictures show that the walls are still painted their original flat red. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The walls are decorated with mural paintings showing nine figures outlined in black. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The tiny video camera was sent down 15 feet through the 6-inch square hole to explore this chamber. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The burial chamber has a stepped ceiling and a gateway formed by large slabs. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

There were 11 vessels and an undetermined quantity of jade and shells scattered on the floor as well, part of the mortuary rites for whoever was buried there. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

According to experts, it is likely that the fragmented bones of Mayan dignitaries were lain directly on the slabs on the floor. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The temple was remodeled dramatically during the Late Classic period (600-900 AD), so the vaulted chamber tomb was covered by the new building. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The characteristics of the tomb indicate that the skeletal remains there may represent a sacred ruler of Palenque, probably one of the founders of his dynasty. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

According to experts, it is likely that the fragmented bones of Mayan dignitaries were lain directly on the slabs on the floor. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The temple was remodeled dramatically during the Late Classic period (600-900 AD), so the vaulted chamber tomb was covered by the new building. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)

The characteristics of the tomb indicate that the skeletal remains there may represent a sacred ruler of Palenque, probably one of the founders of his dynasty. (National Institute of Anthropology and History)