There are a lot of impressive buildings, structures, and temples in Chichen Itza with which are linked together with paved roads. The area of Mexico is made of limestone thus the cenotes lead to the underground river. The sacred cenote is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It rarely rain in Chichen Itza that is why they are suffering for long drought. This is why the river is their source of fresh water for bathing, drinking, for irrigation and other routines that requires water. In order to bring waters to the city, the priests would pray for rain to Chac whom they consider as the God of rain.
This sacred cenote is not just for the source of water but it is also the place where they are doing the ceremonial sacrifices. This ceremonial sacrifice is being done in order for the God of the rain to hear they plea. They need rain to have a good harvest and since it is an important resource for their everyday needs. It is not only people who are being sacrificed but other people and noble ones would offer their precious jewels such gold, jade and other precious offerings such as pottery, tools, and weapons.
Ah Kin Itza Mayan who lived beside the sacrificial cenote. It is believed that the place was named after this Maya. A 60 day fasting is required for the nobles of the region in accordance to their custom. No eye contact is allowed with other Mayas including their wives and the servants who gives them food and drink as well. Together with his assistant, a ceremonial offering will then be started after 60 days has passed and will be presided by them to throw the sacrificial victim usually virgin women in to the well.
They would tell her to ask the Gods for a fruitful year when they meet them before she will be thrown to the well. AN offering that pleased the Gods will spare a victim from death, and would be lifted back and revived with the incense. The nobles will suffer for a year with misfortunes when the Gods are to satisfied with their offering.
There are scientists who tried to excavate the well in 1904. Through dredging the sacred sinkhole, they have found a lot of bones and treasures. It is believed that these are the bones of the sacrificial victims. This dredging damaged the hole and required a lot of restoration in the current days.
This sacred cenote is not just for the source of water but it is also the place where they are doing the ceremonial sacrifices. This ceremonial sacrifice is being done in order for the God of the rain to hear they plea. They need rain to have a good harvest and since it is an important resource for their everyday needs. It is not only people who are being sacrificed but other people and noble ones would offer their precious jewels such gold, jade and other precious offerings such as pottery, tools, and weapons.
Ah Kin Itza Mayan who lived beside the sacrificial cenote. It is believed that the place was named after this Maya. A 60 day fasting is required for the nobles of the region in accordance to their custom. No eye contact is allowed with other Mayas including their wives and the servants who gives them food and drink as well. Together with his assistant, a ceremonial offering will then be started after 60 days has passed and will be presided by them to throw the sacrificial victim usually virgin women in to the well.
They would tell her to ask the Gods for a fruitful year when they meet them before she will be thrown to the well. AN offering that pleased the Gods will spare a victim from death, and would be lifted back and revived with the incense. The nobles will suffer for a year with misfortunes when the Gods are to satisfied with their offering.
There are scientists who tried to excavate the well in 1904. Through dredging the sacred sinkhole, they have found a lot of bones and treasures. It is believed that these are the bones of the sacrificial victims. This dredging damaged the hole and required a lot of restoration in the current days.
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