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.

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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.