The Sacred Cenote, also known as the Cenote of Sacrifice, is a natural sinkhole located at the site of Chichen Itza in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Here are detailed insights into this significant archaeological site:
The Sacred Cenote is one of numerous cenotes in the region, which are formed when limestone bedrock collapses, creating a natural well or reservoir. This particular cenote has a diameter of about 60 meters and is approximately 35 meters deep, filled with both fresh and saltwater layers.
Chichen Itza was a major focal point in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic (c. AD 600-900) through the Terminal Classic and into the early Postclassic period (c. AD 900-1200). The Sacred Cenote played a crucial role in the religious life of the Maya:
The first systematic exploration of the Sacred Cenote was undertaken by Edward Herbert Thompson in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work involved:
Today, the Sacred Cenote is part of the larger Chichen Itza UNESCO World Heritage Site. Efforts are made to:
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