Exploring the pyramid of Kukulkan allowed scientists to make a fascinating discovery by discovering another pyramid located inside the pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza. Experts say the structure has a staircase and possibly an altar at the very top.
Mexican archaeologists have discovered a second mysterious sub-structure (mini pyramid) built inside the Mayan pyramid of Kukulkan, dating from 550 to 800 AD. Preliminary analyzes show the pyramid is 13 meters high and 18 meters wide.
Interestingly, in 1930, excavations revealed another "structure" located inside the pyramid that contained the red throne of the Jaguar. It looks like an old toy of the Russian people "Matryoshka in a Matryoshka".
During a press conference, experts from the National University of Mexico and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) noted that geophysical surveys applied to the so-called "El Castillo Pyramid" - better known as Kukulcan - double-check the presence of the ancient "Cenote" under the pyramid, the opening of which was announced in August 2015.
The structure we found lies not quite in the center of the Kukulcan pyramid, but in the direction of the Cenote, said Rene Chavez Segura, a scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. This may confirm or suggest that the Maya, while rebuilding the structure, knew about the existence of this cenote.
We must probably recall what "Cenote" is in the culture of the Maya, the Yucatan Peninsula: natural gaps that have arisen during the collapse of the arches of limestone caves, where underground rivers flow.
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The ancient Maya Indians used cenote as water sources as well as places for planned sacrifices. According to the Maya, the rain god Chak lived inside a natural well. And the Indians also believed - this is the entrance to the "Kingdom of the Dead".
Modern research methods
Researchers used state-of-the-art innovative technologies, in particular, 3D tomography, and non-invasive (without mechanical intervention into the structure) geophysical tools to explore ancient structures.
The researchers placed electrical detectors around the pyramid, thereby “illuminating” the interior of the pyramid and obtaining data by analyzing the difference and resistivity of building materials.
According to experts from NAU and NIEI, the structure discovered by researchers in 1930 belongs to the transitional version of the pyramids of the ancient Maya. While the recently discovered pyramid within the pyramid refers to the "pure" style of Mayan culture.
The find must certainly be studied in the future, since the structure will be of significant importance in revealing the first periods of the region's life, and will provide information about the ancient methods of resolving issues of society, experts say.
With the discovery of this find, we can talk about something from the pure Maya style. Much has been excavated, a lot of information has accumulated about the Mayan transition periods. While the information about the original past of the region is insultingly little, the researchers believe, hoping to fill in the gaps.