Overview:

Actun Tunichil Muknal, also referred to as the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre, is an archaeological site located in western Belize. The cave is significant for its Mayan artifacts and remains, and has become a popular site for tourists to explore. In addition to Mayan artifacts such as pottery and statues, the cave is famous for its mysterious skulls. These skulls, often referred to as “crystal skulls”, are human osteological remains that have been encrusted with calcite and quartz deposits. The skulls appear to have been placed in the cave as part of a ritualistic practice and are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. The cave itself contains a variety of passages and passageways, making the exploration of the site a unique and exciting experience. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave is a Maya archaeological site located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo District of Belize. The cave, also known as the "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher", is known for its large number of artifacts and human remains. The most prominent of these is the assortment of ceramic pottery, skeletal remains, and carved figures left behind by the ancient Maya inhabitants. The most notable feature of the cave are the human skeletal remains scattered throughout the cave. In addition, the ATM cave has an abundance of Mayan pottery, stoneware, and quartz crystals. The carved figures left behind are believed to be ritual objects or even offerings made to the gods of the Maya religion. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a sacred site located in Belize in Central America. The site was under the control of the Mayan people in the area for hundreds of years, and has since been a major archaeological site of archaeological artifact discovery since its re-discovery in the late 1960s. The artifacts discovered at ATM range from pottery to human remains. The most notable artifact discovered at ATM are the fossilized human remains that were found within the cave. These human remains are believed to date back to the mid-14th century when Mayan people were believed to be living in the area. During this period, it is believed that ritualistic human sacrifices were common in the area. It is believed that many of the human sacrifices discovered in ATM were representations of the ancient Mayan gods. The remains that have been discovered in ATM Cave were mostly well preserved due to the cool, dry air of the cave. It is believed that many of the skulls found at ATM were those of individuals who had been sacrificed to the Mayan gods. These individuals would have been placed in the mouth of the cave after they had been sacrificed. The skulls show signs of severe trauma and it is believed that this was the result of pre-Columbian tools used to cut the flesh from the skulls. The skulls that have been discovered at ATM Cave provide a valuable insight into the rituals and beliefs of the ancient Mayans. The artifacts discovered alongside these skulls also provide additional evidence and information about the Mayan people and their cultural practices. The discovery of these skulls also helps researchers understand the prevalence of human sacrifice in the area during this time period. The skulls discovered at ATM Cave remain a key archaeological site in Belize and provide insight into the culture and history of the ancient Mayans of the region. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. The cave, located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, is home to the remains of Mayan sacrifices from the 8th and 9th centuries. 2. The cave contains upwards of 14 skeletal remains, some of which have been found to be over 1000 years old. 3. Many of the human remains and artifacts within the cave are still covered in their original stucco and plaster remains. 4. Beyond the human remains and artifacts, the cave is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from bats and frogs to spiders and fish. 5. The Belize Institute of Archaeology and the Belize Tourism Board have partnered to protect this site as the Actun Tunichil Muknal Archaeological Reserve. 6. Tours are allowed to the cave only with trained guides, and visits are limited to protect the fragile environment. 7. The name of the cave comes from the words “Actun” and “Tunichil,” which are two words for “stone” that come from the Mayan language. 8. In 2014, a team of archaeologists discovered a unique thousand-year-old skeleton of a teenage girl in the cave. She is now known as the Crystal Maiden. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.