Archaeologist Arthur Demerest from Vanderbuilt University and his team of archaeologists found over 70 remains of persons who were war victims at the important trading site of Cancuen. Set on the bend of the Passion and Chixoy rivers this important Maya site controlled trade that came from the Maya highlands to the lowlands and from the lowlands to the highlands. The rich jade deposits in Nakbe and the access to quetzal feathers were among the most important prestige items in the entire Maya world. These items had to pass through Cancuen on there way to important sites such as Dos Pilas, Tikal, Cisteil, and Piedras Negras. This important find may give us a glimpse into how and why the Classic Maya kingdoms collapsed in the eighth century C.E.