Overview:

: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is a popular Maya ceremonial site located in Western Belize. This cave is over 3700 years old and is known for its impressive offerings and artifacts that have been left behind from ancient Maya ceremonies that took place there. It is known as “the Xibalba of the Maya,” and has over 200 artifacts in place including bowls, jade, obsidian, jewelry, pottery, figurines, and bones of offerings. The cave also has numerous Maya ceremonial sites located throughout the site, including some of the oldest known offerings to the gods of the Maya Underworld. Visitors to the cave must take a guided tour in order to experience the archaeological remains. There are also many cultural elements that visitors can enjoy such as the cave’s location in an area that is populated by many species of birds, bats and other animals. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Some of the most prominent features of Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in Belize are its extensive network of caves, its stunning array of speleotherms (such as crystal formations, stalactites and stalagmites) and its famous array of ancient artifacts. The cave includes a large number of archaeological artifacts from the Maya civilization, which is estimated to have occupied the area as early as 1000 BC, including pottery, jewelry, human remains, and dozens of sacrificial offerings. These offerings, which include clay vessels, ceramic figurines, obsidian tools, shells, and jade ornaments, are believed to have been placed in the cave as part of a ritual offering to the Maya gods. The well-preserved artifacts and offerings provide valuable insight into the religious and cultural beliefs of the ancient Maya. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is an ancient archeological site located in Belize’s Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. This archaeological site features a network of subterranean chambers filled with artifacts, ceremonial caves, and human remains. The cave also features a number of offerings made by the ancient Maya, including the remains of sacrificial victims. The first documented evidence of ceremonies and burials in ATM dates back to as early as A.D. 600. The Maya of the Classic period (A.D. 200-900) are believed to have used the caves. During this period, the Maya used the cave as a sacred place, and offerings were made here to honor their gods and ask for their protection. Offerings in the form of jade, pottery, turtles, and human remains have been found in the cave. One of the most notable offerings found at ATM is the skeleton of a teenage girl nicknamed “The Crystal Maiden” due to her body’s level of calcification. This offering was believed to be between the ages of 12-15 at the time of her sacrifice and it is believed that she was sacrificed to the gods as an offering. The skeleton of the Crystal Maiden is estimated to be around 1000 years old. The human remains found in the cave have provided valuable information to scientists about the beliefs and practices of ancient Mayans. ATM is a key archeological site for understanding the ritual practices and culture of the ancient Maya. The offerings found in the cave provide a glimpse into the beliefs and rituals of this culture and the veneration of their gods. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Belize. 2. It is located deep in the jungle of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo District of Belize. 3. ATM cave is renowned for its Maya artifacts, including the remains of 14 human sacrifices ranging from age 3 to 30. 4. The cave was discovered in 1989, but archeologists hadn’t begun to explore it until April of 1990. 5. The oldest artifacts discovered inside the ATM cave date back to 800-900 A.D. 6. The cave was likely used as an offering site for sacred rituals and ceremonies. 7. Among the artifacts found at the cave were numerous ceramic vessels, stone tools, and ceremonial items used to make offerings to the gods. 8. Visitors to the ATM cave have the opportunity to view artifacts in situ (in their original place). 9. Some of the artifacts have been moved to nearby museums for preservation. 10. ATM cave is currently a protected site by the government of Belize and can only be visited through a registered tour guide. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.