The concept of an underworld, a region inhabited by spirits, supernatural beings, and the souls of the dead which could be found by literally descending into the bowels of the earth, is a nearly universal one amongst ancient cultures. From the myths of ancient Greece, to the legends of Japanese Shinto, to the prevailing modern concept of the Christian Hell, the deeper regions of the world have been shrouded in mystery and regarded with unease, if not outright terror, since the dawn of human thought. However, no scientist has yet unearthed a physical manifestation of Odysseus' portal to the nether-realms a claim that can no longer be made of the underworld believed to exist by the ancient Maya.
It is in the Yucatn that one of the largest such entrances has been found. Archaeologists have uncovered a surprisingly vast network of subterranean passages, temples, and caves used by the ancient peoples who once dwelt on the surface. These caverns are largely covered by water today, and some archaeologists believe they also were during the time of the Maya. The scientists who explored these caves needed scuba gear and modern diving equipment to complete the survey, and so one can only imagine the hardships endured by those who first built these chambers many hundreds of years ago.
History of the Ancient Tablets
Ancient tablets uncovered by archaeologists reveal that, besides being a portal for the descent of spirits into Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, the submerged caves may have also been a practical stopgap against flooding. These caves were often located near or adjacent to temples, settlements, or cities, making protection of the above-ground world from subsurface water a necessary priority. When a member of the community died, he or she was not regarded as merely lifeless; rather, it was believed that the deceased moved on into a new realm or dimension of existence, and needed a route by which to make passage there. These caves, then, were direct links between the world of the living and the land of the dead.
The Remains of the Dead
It's not uncommon for archaeologists to discover human remains in these cave passages, or to stumble across skeletons half-buried near the pools and flooded sections adjacent to the underground rivers. The frequency with which human bones are uncovered at these sites has lead researchers to believe that the tunnels were thought of literally as a portal by which the recently deceased could make their way to Xibalba.
Throughout southern Mexico and Central America (mainly Belize and Guatemala), scientists have located at least 14 cave complexes of this kind. For the most part, they share the same features, including massive and ornately carved columns made from solid rock, as well as being filled with pottery, sculpture, and other trappings of ritual activity. The pots themselves are clearly identified as ceremonial by the addition of "kill holes," small openings in the bottom through which spirits were believed to escape.
According to Mayan legend, the path to Xibalba was fraught with danger, and the dead souls would have to be led down these dark corridors on their way to the underworld by helpful spirits, such as a mythical dog with powerful night-vision. The spirits of the departed would endure many tests and trials before being admitted to the land of the dead.
Entering the Underworld
Climbing down into one of these cave sites is an eerie and unforgettable experience. To stand at the edge of a silent pool, its surface black and smooth as volcanic glass, and stare up at massive stone pillars covered in Maya pictographs is an experience not soon forgotten by any who've had it. Once you've been, it's easy to understand why they were chosen as places of reverence the thrill of fear at the abundance of human bones mixes with the deathly silence and coolness of the caves, and leaves one feeling a sense of awe and wonderment at their very existence.
Though the pyramids of Tikal and Calakmul may be more famous, these cave complexes are no less an architectural wonder than their above-ground counterparts. In fact, archaeologists have revealed that the two were often constructed hand in hand, the cities normally being built near underground pools or cenotes as a source of water, and naturally making use of the area's caves and caverns for important religious rites.
Many of these caves can be see by the public, although they do require some amount of physical activity to successfully navigate. You can take guided tours of many of the caves, like Belize's Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM). They're a great day-long excursion if you happen to be vacationing in the area, although the act of descending into the physical reality of the ancient Mayan underworld is awe-inspiring enough to plan a trip just to have the experience!
It is in the Yucatn that one of the largest such entrances has been found. Archaeologists have uncovered a surprisingly vast network of subterranean passages, temples, and caves used by the ancient peoples who once dwelt on the surface. These caverns are largely covered by water today, and some archaeologists believe they also were during the time of the Maya. The scientists who explored these caves needed scuba gear and modern diving equipment to complete the survey, and so one can only imagine the hardships endured by those who first built these chambers many hundreds of years ago.
History of the Ancient Tablets
Ancient tablets uncovered by archaeologists reveal that, besides being a portal for the descent of spirits into Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, the submerged caves may have also been a practical stopgap against flooding. These caves were often located near or adjacent to temples, settlements, or cities, making protection of the above-ground world from subsurface water a necessary priority. When a member of the community died, he or she was not regarded as merely lifeless; rather, it was believed that the deceased moved on into a new realm or dimension of existence, and needed a route by which to make passage there. These caves, then, were direct links between the world of the living and the land of the dead.
The Remains of the Dead
It's not uncommon for archaeologists to discover human remains in these cave passages, or to stumble across skeletons half-buried near the pools and flooded sections adjacent to the underground rivers. The frequency with which human bones are uncovered at these sites has lead researchers to believe that the tunnels were thought of literally as a portal by which the recently deceased could make their way to Xibalba.
Throughout southern Mexico and Central America (mainly Belize and Guatemala), scientists have located at least 14 cave complexes of this kind. For the most part, they share the same features, including massive and ornately carved columns made from solid rock, as well as being filled with pottery, sculpture, and other trappings of ritual activity. The pots themselves are clearly identified as ceremonial by the addition of "kill holes," small openings in the bottom through which spirits were believed to escape.
According to Mayan legend, the path to Xibalba was fraught with danger, and the dead souls would have to be led down these dark corridors on their way to the underworld by helpful spirits, such as a mythical dog with powerful night-vision. The spirits of the departed would endure many tests and trials before being admitted to the land of the dead.
Entering the Underworld
Climbing down into one of these cave sites is an eerie and unforgettable experience. To stand at the edge of a silent pool, its surface black and smooth as volcanic glass, and stare up at massive stone pillars covered in Maya pictographs is an experience not soon forgotten by any who've had it. Once you've been, it's easy to understand why they were chosen as places of reverence the thrill of fear at the abundance of human bones mixes with the deathly silence and coolness of the caves, and leaves one feeling a sense of awe and wonderment at their very existence.
Though the pyramids of Tikal and Calakmul may be more famous, these cave complexes are no less an architectural wonder than their above-ground counterparts. In fact, archaeologists have revealed that the two were often constructed hand in hand, the cities normally being built near underground pools or cenotes as a source of water, and naturally making use of the area's caves and caverns for important religious rites.
Many of these caves can be see by the public, although they do require some amount of physical activity to successfully navigate. You can take guided tours of many of the caves, like Belize's Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM). They're a great day-long excursion if you happen to be vacationing in the area, although the act of descending into the physical reality of the ancient Mayan underworld is awe-inspiring enough to plan a trip just to have the experience!
About the Author:
Would you like to get in touch with other Riviera Maya travelers? Onejungle.com has a travel community especially for Mexico and the Riviera Maya. For trips in Mexico check Riviera Maya Tours.
No comments:
Post a Comment