A Megalithic Marvels Special Investigative Series
This structure known as the Ossuary, is also known as the High Priest’s Tomb. It is part of what is known as the Central Group at Chichen Itza, and it’s the first large structure you will see when coming from the Kukulkán Pyramid. Traditionally thought to have been founded around 525 AD, there has been recent discoveries that suggest Chichén Itzá may be at least 400 Years Older Than once believed. Dr Guillermo de Anda, underwater archaeologist and head of the Great Maya Aquifer project, has recently stated that this ancient city was actually founded around 100 AD based on studying the carbon remains of material artifacts found in the nearby underwater caves.
Like the Kukulcán Pyramid, The Ossuary is a step-pyramid but on a smaller scale. it stands about 10 meters tall & features four sides made up of 7 main layers that each include a staircase. At the center top of this structure Is an entrance which descends vertically down into the base of the pyramid. This leads to a natural cave about 40 feet below where several tombs & skeletons were unearthed surrounded by rock crystals, jade & copper artifacts. This is why Edward H. Thompson, who excavated cave in the late 19th century, dubbed this structure as the High Priests’s temple.
It is rumored that there is a tunnel system connected to this cave that measures more than 20 kilometers in length that may lead to other Mayan cities in the vicinity. Around this structure can also be see the stone mosaic mask of Choc, the god of rain. The feathered serpent diety Kukulkan is seen featured here at the base of the staircases with his mouth open & is often connected to the subterranean underworld
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