More News About The Mysterious Maya Disappearance From Belize

Cara-Blanca

Reports published in National Geographic News, Archaeology magazine and other sources, describe how teams of researchers have been diving into and working around cenotes, or deep sinkholes that the ancient Maya thought to be gateways to Xabalba, the sacred underworld throughout Belize. While recording and amassing a rich collection of fossils and artefacts at Cara Blanca, a team from the University of Illinois discovered a water temple complex where Maya pilgrims offered sacrifices to Chaak and other deities.

Shifting trade routes may have led to Maya decline

altun-ha in belize

The researchers found that prior to the fall of the Maya inland centers, obsidian tended to flow along inland riverine networks. But over time, this material began to be transported through coastal trade networks instead, with a corresponding increase in coastal centers’ prominence as inland centers declined.