Archaeologists discover an ancient artifact they're comparing to Game of Thrones

It's not quite evidence of White Walkers or dragons, but a recent discovery has archaeologists thinking Game of Thrones nonetheless.

A 1,500-year-old limestone altar, discovered this week at a temple in Guatemala, sheds light on the battle between rival dynasties over the area, Phys.org reports. Tomas Barrientos, who led the excavation, told Phys.org that the stone is basically the "historical Mayan version of Game of Thrones" because of what it depicts: King Chak Took Ich'aak, who brought neighboring cities under the control of the Serpent Kingdom with his complex political machinations, and additionally fended off the rival Tikals by allying with small cities. There was even a key wedding involved in this consolidation of power, just like the infamous Red Wedding.

The altar also contains hieroglyphics, and researchers say the discovery "pieces together the puzzle" about this ancient conflict and reveals more about the dynasty's political strategy. The Serpent Kingdom unfortunately ended up being defeated by their Tikal rivals hundreds of years later — so ahead of Game of Thrones' final season, Cersei Lannister fans can only hope that the comparisons only extend so far.

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