
Have you ever dreamt of exploring the archaeological ruins of an ancient society? Open to the general public since 1998, the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in Belize offers just that. This cave is full of over a thousand artifacts left behind by the Mayan civilization. These items, dated from 1 to 1000 AD include pottery, tools, and ceremonial items, in addition to 200 vessels. Four hundred ceramic jars helped archaeologists to determine that the cave was often used for ceremonial purposes; these jars, used to hold water, are believed to have been a part of a ceremony petitioning the rain god to end a severe drought. Throughout the cave there are also 14 skeletons: 7 adults, and 7 children, all under the age of 5. Most of these are thought to be connected to sacrificial deaths. There is also a small grotto alongside the riverbed where visitors can imagine Mayan men and women partaking in traditional blood letting ceremonies. The most famous remains are known as â??The Crystal Maiden.â? This skeleton of a young woman, who was most likely a sacrifice victim, has been completely covered by the natural processes of the cave. As a result, the bones have a ...
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