Sacred Cenote facts for kids
The Sacred Cenote (pronounced seh-NOH-tay), also known as the Well of Sacrifice, is a very famous natural pit or sinkhole at the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza. It's like a giant, deep well formed naturally in the ground. People could reach it by walking along a paved path about 900 feet long from the main plaza of Chichen Itza.
What is a Cenote?
A cenote is a special type of natural pit or sinkhole. It forms when the roof of an underground cave collapses, revealing the water below. The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, where Chichen Itza is located, has many cenotes. They were very important to the ancient Maya people.
Why Was it Sacred?
The Sacred Cenote was a very important place for the Maya people. They believed it was a gateway to the underworld and a place where they could communicate with their gods. During times of drought, when there wasn't enough rain, the Maya would make offerings to Chaac, their rain god. These offerings sometimes included valuable items and even human sacrifices, hoping to please the god and bring rain.
Discoveries in the Cenote
Over the years, many interesting things have been found at the bottom of the Sacred Cenote. Explorers have used special tools, like dredges, to bring up artifacts from the deep water. These discoveries include gold and jade jewelry, pottery, and other items that were offered to the gods. These finds help us learn more about the ancient Maya and their beliefs.
Images for kids
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The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza
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An orange-peel dredge used by explorer Edward Herbert Thompson between 1904 and 1910 to explore the Sacred Cenote.
