Archaeologists and Geophysical Researchers from the University of Mexico have announced the discovery of a large cenote, or sinkhole cave, underneath the famous Maya temple pyramid at Chichen Itza. The pyramid is known as Kukulkan or El Castillo. It is renowned as one of the ‘new’ seven wonders of the world for the its perfect astronomical geometry.
The newly found body of water measure to 35 meters across and has a depth of over 20 meters. In the karstic landscape of the Yucatan underground rivers often connect the sinkhole lakes. The Geophysicial Expert Rene Chavez, from the Institute of Geophysics of the UNAM, stated that the body of water was naturally covered by rock above. The discovery was made without excavation, instead researchers used using a type of electrical resistance survey.
Chavez said one corner of the pyramid rested on the underground chamber, indicating that there was a danger of collapsing.
Researchers think this sheds new light on the religious importance of the site why the pyramid was built at this location:
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Denisse Argote from Mexico’s National Anthropology and History Institute said
“We know that in caustic [syc karstic] 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.
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Other researchers not associated with the project agree that this theory would fit in with Maya cosmology. The next step of the research will be to map the interior construction of the pyramid. Researchers hope that it will clarify the different construction phases of the temple.
Summary and video from Scientists find sinkhole cave under Mexico’s Kukulkan Castle Pyramid.
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i read the original article on the local and national newspaper… but this is better explanations… greetings from Yucatán.
Thank you. Glad to Hear it was a helpful overview. Exciting findings :)! All the Best from New Mexico, USA