MEXICO-DISCOVERY Scientists discover sacred sinkhole cave under Chichen Itza pyramid

Record ID: 144089

  • Title: MEXICO-DISCOVERY Scientists discover sacred sinkhole cave under Chichen Itza pyramid
  • Date: 13th August 2015
  • Summary: CHICHEN ITZA, YUCATAN, MEXICO (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CHICHEN ITZA PYRAMID MAN SITTING NEAR PYRAMID VARIOUS OF PEOPLE PERFORMING CEREMONY AT PYRAMID
  • Embargoed: 28th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA43I5JX56SUG0I30LNVZYLH6XE
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: A group of scientists from the Autonomous University of Mexico announced on Thursday (August 13) that a sacred sinkhole cave, known as a cenote, has been discovered under Chichen Itza's grand Kukulkan Castle Pyramid, a discovery that could shed new light on the ancient Maya civilisation.
    According to scientists, the body of water measures up to 35 metres (114 feet) across and has a depth of over 20 metres (65 feet).
    The discovery was made using new technology that involves placing electrodes in the area surrounding the structure and delivering an electrical current to the ground. While the current is being emitted, measurements are taken to determine whether there are sub-surface elements that impede or increase electrical potential.
    The measurements generated from this study will then be processed by software designed by the UNAM Institute and a three-dimensional map of the underground area will be created from the results.
    "Remember what happened in the middle of the limestone, where we can have caverns, a subterranean river. It's very possible that the pyramid is sitting on top of a cenote," said scientist, Rene Chavez.
    Mexico's Kukulkan pyramid is one of the new seven wonders of the ancient world, renowned for its perfect astronomical geometry.
    Denisse Argote from Mexico's National Anthropology and History Institute said the discovery of the cenote could provides new insights into why the pyramid was built at this site in the Yucatan peninsula.
    "We know that in caustic areas, its surroundings have subterranean waters. So, taking into account the concept of the maternal womb, the origins of life and water which is the original of life, we have a double meaning which is very significant. Therefore, taking all these concepts into account we link it with a step to the sky in magical and religious thinking," said Argote.
    The base of the pyramid dates back to the pre-Hispanic age but the structure is believed to have been built over various time periods.
    The next phase of the project is to place the electrodes on the pyramid structure to make a map of its interior to date its construction periods.
    "The second part is lighting up the castle pyramid. Now, we're going to put the detectors that are on the ground in different areas of the Kukulkan pyramid to illuminate the interior of the pyramid. The final objective is to determine possible construction periods," added Chavez.
    The powerful Mayan empire reached its height, known as its classic period, between approximately 250 CE and 950 Ce. It extended its reach into what is now Guatemala, Honduras and western El Salvador.
    Peaking in the eighth century with a population of some 15 million people, the advanced ancient empire mapped out a precise calendar and astronomical movements.
    Today, the abandoned Mayan city of Chichen Itza is one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations with thousands of international visitors marvelling at the famed city every year.
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