Archaeologists announced the excavation of what they say is the oldest known burial site and mural of the Mayan civilization.

The burial site, described as a tomb for a Mayan leader, and the mural date to 150 B.C. The discovery means Mayan civilization -- including writing, art and the system of government -- developed several hundred years earlier than archaeologists previously believed.

The tomb and the mural were unearthed in 2001 at an ancient Mayan city in northeast Guatemala. The tomb and the mural are located in different parts of the city.

The mural is 30 feet long and is said to depict the Mayan creation story.

Get the Story:
Preserved Mural Unearthed in Guatemala (The Washington Post 12/14)
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Earliest Known Maya Painting Found (The New York Times 12/14)
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Oldest Known Maya Mural, Tomb Reveal Story of Ancient King (National Geographic News 12/13)