A sarcophagus discovered in South America could provide clues to the decline of the Mayan civilisation.

The Mayan people lived in the region as far back as 2000 BC, however the vast majority of their development was done in the period between 250 AD and 900 AD. The civilisation was characterised by its art and architecture which was influenced by an exchange of culture with other peoples.

Archaeologists believe that the find dates back to around 840 AD when the civilisations decline began.

Specialists from the National Institute of Archaeology and History believe that the remains found inside were from a woman or a high-ranking adolescent.

It is believed that alterations were made to the sarcophagus in the period just before the Spanish discovered the region.

Historians hope that the discovery will provide a clue as to why the civilisation collapsed. Many theories exist, including war, famine, drought and civil unrest. However, none have been definitively proved.

Descendents of the Mayan people still live in areas of South America and follow the ancient civilisation's traditions.