Earliest known image of Maya hero Juun Ajaw found at Calakmul

A fragmentary mural discovered in Structure II at Calakmul features the Maya hero Juun Ajaw and is considered one of the earliest known depictions of this figure. Daniel Salazar Lama conducted research over three years, leading to the findings that were presented on July 17, 2026, during a lecture at the Museum of Maya Architecture in Campeche, Mexico. This mural represents the oldest pictorial remains found at Calakmul. The research utilized advanced digital techniques, including photogrammetry, digitized drawing, and virtual architectural modeling, to analyze the artwork.