Some Maya rulers may have taken generations to attract subjects

Leaders had to negotiate with followers and legitimize their authority, researchers suspect

A photo of the remnants of a pyramid among trees and other forest growth

Remnants of a pyramid that was part of a ceremonial center built around the time of the founding of a Maya site called Tamarindito now lie among trees and other forest growth.

M. Eberl

Commoners may have played an unappreciated part in the rise of an ancient Maya royal dynasty.