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Archaeologists find secret cave with untouched Mayan tombs (video)

Bylim Olena

Archaeologists find secret cave with untouched Mayan tombs (video)
A cave with the remains of the ancient Maya. Source: National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)

Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) of Mexico have discovered a hidden Mayan burial chamber hidden in a cave in the archaeological complex in Tulum, Quintana Roo.

The discovery was made during routine work to clear a new trail for visitors. Archaeologists discovered the skeletons of several people who were buried in the cave, Arkeonews reports.

Read also: A 1500-year-old Byzantine lamp was discovered in Israel near the border with Gaza (photo)

However, one of the most interesting finds was a split human body. Archaeologists believe that the person could have been trapped while trying to access the cavity.

Inside the cave, archaeologists also discovered a large number of skeletal remains of animals associated with burials. According to faunal identification experts, they correspond to various mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and amphibians.

A single ceramic "molcajete" (grinding bowl) additionally indicated that the burial dates to the late Postclassic period (1200-1550 AD).

The archaeologists describe the conditions inside the cave as particularly difficult due to small entrances, low ceilings, lack of natural light, and general heat and humidity. In addition to the photographs, a three-dimensional scan of the area will be made so that researchers and the general public can see the materials and remains in their original context.

This discovery is important for understanding Maya funerary practices. It gives us a rare glimpse into how these people buried their dead.

As a reminder, a meter-long sword was found in a medieval grave in Sweden.

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