According to National Geographic, researchers announced that they have discovered the world’s largest underwater cave.
For nearly a year, the Underwater Exploration Group of the Great Maya Aquifer Project focused on finding flooded cave systems in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. However, researchers have hunted for the connection between the Sac Actun and Dos Ojos cave system for years. This January, after mapping out the submerged maze and all of its tunnels, the researchers finally pinpointed the largest water cave, which spans 215 miles.
Image Via INAH/MEXICO’S NATIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY INSTITUTE (INAH)
Beyond its sheer size, the largest cave system in the world below the water’s surface is a spectacular find because of what it can tell us about the past and Maya culture. Before water levels rose and flooded the caves at the end of the Ice Age, it’s believed that the Mayas communicated with gods and engaged in ritual activities in these caves. The caves are now a submerged archeological site, where researchers have already uncovered 9,000-year-old human remains and relics, such as ceramics. They’ve also found bones from extinct Ice Age animals, including bears and giant sloths. The site is the largest of its kind, but it’s also celebrated because of its state of preservation.
Based on this amazing find, researchers are continuing to look for additional cave connections in the Tulum area, which could mean this system is even bigger than currently measured. With more than 350 flooded caves in the region, there is still a lot of uncharted territory.
Image via INAH/MEXICO’S NATIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY INSTITUTE (INAH)
Interested in learning more about Maya culture, without venturing below the water’s surface? The city of Tulum is located near this underwater cave system. It’s home to the pre-Columbian Maya city in Quintana Roo, Mexico. In Tulum, you’ll find protected ruins on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, which are remnants of one of the Maya’s last cities.
For more Maya history, nearby Chichen Itza is located just north of Tulum. Considered one of the largest Maya cities, the ruins attract tourists from all around the globe. Here at the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia®, you’ll find a number of Maya-focused tours, such as the 2-in-1 Combo Tour: Chichen Itza & Tulum Express and the Be Maya Cultural Experience. Explore ancient history in the Yucatan Peninsula, and keep an eye out for more discoveries from the underwater world in this region.
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