Hidden chambers of famous Mayan pyramid could be uncovered in Mexico
Millennia-old secrets may lie within the walls of the Mayan pyramid El Castillo in Mexico, and now an international team of researchers is preparing to reveal exactly what this monumental structure conceals. Using a specialised technique, they may uncover internal chambers about which numerous theories have already been proposed.
As part of an international scientific collaboration, a new investigation is underway to map the interior of the Mayan pyramid El Castillo in Mexico. The iconic Mayan temple at Chichén Itzá is being examined using a modern method that allows a more precise understanding of its internal structure without disturbing the monument, reports Archaeology News.
The significance of El Castillo
The Mayan pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán, was built between the 8th and 12th centuries CE and is considered the ceremonial centre of Chichén Itzá. With sides measuring nearly 55.5 metres and a height of 30 metres, it is the largest structure at the site.
In line with Mayan temple-building practices, it was constructed in multiple phases, with newer structures built atop earlier temples. As a result, the pyramid’s interior is highly complex, and some areas remain unexplored to this day.
What do we know about the interior of the Mayan pyramid so far?
Throughout the 20th century, several important discoveries were made inside the Mayan pyramid. In the 1930s, archaeologists uncovered a tunnel on the northern side of the structure leading to two internal chambers, the Offering Chamber and the Sacrificial Chamber. These yielded significant finds, including a Chac Mool statue and a jaguar throne painted red.
Later studies using electrical resistance measurements suggested the presence of additional hidden chambers in the pyramid’s substructure. These investigations also confirmed that a water-filled cavity lies beneath the pyramid, connected to the region’s cenote system. According to Mayan belief, these water-related spaces were considered sacred entrances to the underworld.
Muography to reveal El Castillo
The new project is led by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, in collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Mexico and several US institutions.
The research will employ muography, which uses muons from cosmic radiation to create a density map of the pyramid’s interior. This technique allows structural differences to be identified based on how particles pass through solid rock versus empty spaces, without the need for drilling or excavation.
Expected outcomes of the research
Two muon detectors specifically designed for this purpose will be placed in the tunnels on the northern and southern sides of the pyramid. The first, six-month field phase aims to confirm the presence of the two already known chambers, thereby validating the method’s effectiveness.
Subsequently, the investigation may extend to other parts of El Castillo, seeking anomalies that could indicate previously unknown chambers or internal spaces. This research could significantly deepen our understanding of the Mayan pyramid’s ritual and architectural significance, all while leaving one of Mexico’s most important historical monuments virtually untouched.