Scientists Find Portal to Underworld

Scientists in Mexico have discovered what local legend says is the portal to the Mayan Underworld, Xibalba, on the Yucatan peninsula.

Scuba divers have discovered a cluster of submerged temples in underground caves, along with human bones. The maze of caverns and tunnels was believed by the ancient Mayans to be the entrance the the underworld for the souls of the dead. Well, one of the entrances - many local tribes claimed their own cave system as the primary entrance to Xibalba.

Xibalba means “Place of fear” and was believed to be ruled by the spirits of disease and death, “the Lords of Xibalba”. Which makes me wonder whether the presence of holy sites was to keep people out - or spirits in.