In the depths of an ancient Maya pyramid and temple in Guatemala, archaeologists have made a startling discovery. Scorched bones believed to belong to royalty and burned rare artifacts hint at a ceremonial desecration linked to a significant political upheaval in the distant past. The remains were discarded within the foundations of the temple, which was still under construction at the time of the dramatic event. Researchers believe this sacrilege is linked to the rise of a transformative Maya leader sometime around 1,200 years ago. Transition through fire At the archaeological site of Ucanal,…