Maya human remains and burials discovered deep in Belize cave system. Human skeletal remains were found deep inside the cave system, including pieces of femurs, spine, hands, cranium, and jaw with visible teeth A newborn infant was found placed alone in a specific hole, possibly a member of an elite family, possibly sacrificed during droughts The remains date to the end of the Classic Maya period when the Maya world was in chaos with wars, deforestation, and drought
Deep inside a Belize cave, researchers found human remains including femurs, spine, hands, cranium, and a jaw. A newborn was placed alone in a specific hole, perhaps from an elite family. Dating to the late Classic Maya period, bones were positioned near a 'tree of life' column connecting to the underworld.
Key Facts
- Human skeletal remains were found deep inside the cave system, including pieces of femurs, spine, hands, cranium, and jaw with visible teeth
- A newborn infant was found placed alone in a specific hole, possibly a member of an elite family, possibly sacrificed during droughts
- The remains date to the end of the Classic Maya period when the Maya world was in chaos with wars, deforestation, and drought
- Maya traveled from unknown entry points deep into Xibalba, carrying bodies for burial as a religious journey
- Bones were found placed in specific spots chosen by the Maya, possibly near the 'tree of life' column believed to connect the world to the underworld
Related site: Actun Tunichil Muknal — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Exploring Forgotten Appalachia & Ancient Caves of Central America (Supercut) by Luke Caverns