A team of archaeologists in Mexico excavating Mayan ruins near the ancient walled city of Tulum discovered a sealed cave filled with human and animal remains that could be over 1,000 years old.
The team found a large rock sealing the entrance of the cave, which located near Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Once they removed the rock, they discovered the remains of eight people inside, according to a news release from the National Institute of Anthropology and History.
The first skeleton found was partially under the rock, with its upper body inside the cave and its legs protruding outside, making it appear that he was pinned to the spot.
The remains, including bones and skulls found in two small chambers, were still well-preserved, since the environment inside the cave was conducive to keeping them intact.
Along with the human bones, the archaeologists also found the remains of dead animals, including dogs, deer, opossum, armadillo, frogs, sea turtles and sharks.
The archeologists said the humans and animals were likely buried together in funeral ceremonies before Europeans arrived in the Americas.
A snail, which was considered a decoration by the Mayans, was also found glued to the entrance wall.
The 20-inch high cavern, which was poorly lit and very narrow, was also full of insects and ceramic fragments, likely dating back to between 1200 and 1550.
Source: New York Post