Ancient Mayan building — used by a cult 800 years ago — unearthed in Mexico. See it
Some 800 years ago, a Mayan settlement flourished along the banks of the Candelaria River in Mexico.
Recent excavations revealed a previously unknown circular structure in the ruins of the settlement, known as El Tigre, and officials believe it was used by a cult, according to an Oct. 30 release from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History.
The ancient building dates to sometime between 1000 A.D. and 1200 A.D., toward the end of the settlement’s existence in the Yucatan Peninsula, the experts said. The building is linked to the cult that worshiped Kukulcán — a feathered serpent who was a creator deity of “rain, wind, storms, and life,” according to the World History Encyclopedia.
Archaeologists have worked to excavate most of the structure, which they said resembles similar buildings found in Mexico, the release said.
A photo shows the ruins of the large, stone circular structure in a wooded area.
El Tigre was known as Itzamkanac, which means “the place of the lizard or serpent,” during ancient times, according to the institute. It was established around 600 B.C. and existed as a major trading port until Spanish conquest in 1557.
Previous excavations have uncovered the site’s main ceremonial center. Stucco face masks and ballcourts have also been excavated in the area.
Google Translate was used to translate a news release and post from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History.
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