This cut-out view of the vegetation-covered pyramid complex at San Bartolo in Guatemala shows the mural room located at the base (bottom center) of pyramid. The room's recently excavated west wall, adorned with the earliest preserved Maya mural, abuts the edge of the pyramid. Archaeologists believe the vividly painted room, dating from around 100 B.C. and chronicling the mythology of kings and the birth of the Maya cosmos, could have been a preparation area for ceremonies that took place on the courtyard in front of the pyramid. (Art by Vlad Dumitrascu © National Geographic)