Archaeologists have discovered the remains of food consumed by members of the elite class of the ancient Maya civilisation during special ritual banquets. Researchers from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) found more than 1.3 thousand freshwater crab remains in the ritual storerooms of Palenque Palace, a famous Mayan archaeological site located in the southern state of Chiapas.
It is noted that the palace was essentially the largest architectural complex of the ancient city, which was inhabited for several centuries and reached its peak between 500 and 700 AD, when its influence spread to the surrounding region.
According to scholars, the ruling elite and clergy of ancient Palenque consumed local freshwater crabs as a delicacy in private ceremonies to mark special occasions, such as the completion of certain stages in the construction of the palace.
