Ice Age sinkholes gave Maya access to underworld caves. Sinkholes were formed around the end of the Ice Age when underground rivers collapsed Underground cave systems extend for miles underneath the Yucatan Peninsula The Maya discovered these caves thousands of years ago and considered them direct portals into the underworld (Xibalba)
Around the end of the Ice Age, underground rivers collapsed forming massive sinkholes across the Yucatan Peninsula, revealing cave systems that extend for miles beneath the surface. The Maya discovered these caverns thousands of years ago and believed they were direct portals into Xibalba, the underworld. These dry cenotes created isolated environments that may harbor unknown or extinct species. 🕳️⛏️ The caves that would become sacred passages to the realm of the dead were literally carved into the landscape by nature itself.
Key Facts
- Sinkholes were formed around the end of the Ice Age when underground rivers collapsed
- Underground cave systems extend for miles underneath the Yucatan Peninsula
- The Maya discovered these caves thousands of years ago and considered them direct portals into the underworld (Xibalba)
- Dry cenotes create isolated biomes with potentially unknown or extinct species
Related site: BLACK HOLE — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Face to face with Evidence of Human Sacrifices in Belize's "Black Hole" by Luke Caverns