Ancient Maya Tended Sacred Groves of Cacao Trees in Humid Microclimates of Karst Sinkholes archaeology science
Dr. Chris Balzotti climbs an ancient staircase discovered in a sinkhole near Coba, Mexico. Image credit: Richard Terry.
In the new research, Brigham Young University’s Professor Richard Terry and colleagues aimed to identify locations the Maya used to provide the perfect blend of humidity, calm and shade required by cacao trees. They also found evidence of ancient ceremonial rituals — such as staircase ramps for processions, stone carvings, altars and offerings like jade and ceramics, including tiny ceramic cacao pods — in several sinkholes.
The findings indicate that cacao groves played an important role in ancient rituals and trade routes of the ancient Maya, impacting the entirety of the Mesoamerican economy. In one sinkhole near Coba, Mexico, a village 45 minutes from modern day Tulum, the archaeologists found the arm and bracelet of a figurine attached to an incense jar and several ceramic modeled cacao pods.
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