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Table of Contents
Sacred Cenote (Well of Sacrifice) is a well-known cenote (a natural pit or sinkhole) at Chichen Itza, a Mayan site. It is accessible via a 900-foot paved corridor leading from the Great Plaza. During droughts, the Sacred Cenote was used for human sacrifices to the rain god Chaac.
See the fact file below for more information on Cenote Sagrado, or you can download our 27-page Cenote Sagrado worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION
- The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza exists because the Mayan Peninsula’s water currents are mostly underground, owing to the limestone surface that quickly absorbs rainwater.
- The Mayans called these natural wells ts’onot, which became Cenote in Spanish.
- These cenotes are one of Chichén Itzá’s distinguishing features, with the Sacred Cenote in Chichén Itzá standing out.
- This cenote is also known as Chenk or Cenote de los Sacrificios, the latter name owing to 16th-century stories claiming that virgin women were thrown into it and, according to a prophecy, would return alive one day.
- The cenote was primarily used for rites and sacrifices during the Classic (800-1100) and Post-Classic (1100-1550) periods when many archaeological objects and human remains were discovered.
- The Classic Period is associated with Chichen Itza’s splendor, and the Post-Classic Period is related to using the Sacred Cenote as a place of worship and pilgrimage.
- Around 11,000 years ago, people moved to the Yucatán Peninsula. While ancient civilizations in the Middle East were able to develop along streams and alluvial rivers, the geography of the Yucatán Peninsula is very different from that of the fertile crescent.
- Water scarcity hampered the development of ancient civilizations in México, such as the Maya. According to Christopher Boyer, one reason for water scarcity is the Yucatán “Peninsula is formed of a porous limestone karst unable to support much surface water.”
- Though water was scarce for the Maya, they did have a naturally occurring water source known as a cenote.
- Richard Bloom defines a cenote as “a naturally occurring geographical sinkhole.”
- G. Hall describes four common shapes for these sinkholes: 1) jug-shaped; 2) vertical-walled, 3) Aguada-like; and 4) cave-like.
- Cenotes collect rainwater and groundwater, while limestone filters the water.
- Cenotes were naturally occurring wells that supplied clean water to the Maya.
- With a scarcity of water came the idea that water was holy. Maya could use the water in cenotes for two purposes: as a well for drinking water or as a sacred landmark for ceremonies.
- Chichén Itzá is an archeological site with a ceremonial cenote. The site dates from the Pre-Classic Period and is located on the Yucatán Peninsula (1500BCE – 300CE).
- Archaeologists know this cenote was used for ceremonial sacrifice because there is a small building near the top where a priest lived.
- The name of the cenote is another indication that it was entirely ceremonial. Chichén Itzá roughly translates to “the mouth of the well” of the Itzá people.
- At Chichén Itzá, the well was associated with a mouth. Mouths were visual representations of a portal between the underworld, Xibalba, and the terrestrial world.
- Because the rain god is popular in the area, the mouth of the cenote would be associated with Chaac. Unfortunately, no other indications or artifacts at Chichén Itzá suggest the cenote is sacred.
- Thompson began dredging into the site’s ceremonial cenote on March 5, 1904. He could not empty the cenote because he was unaware of the underground river.
- Thompson did manage to find artifacts after allegedly desecrating the sacred cenote; he discovered gold, jade ornaments, and a human skeleton.
- It’s unclear whether the human skeleton was used as a sacrifice. On the other hand, the gold and jade were extravagant, and tossing them into a cenote suggests they were gifts to the gods.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
- The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza is 200 meters from the Venus Platform, which has the Kukulkan Pyramid on the opposite side.
- The Sacred Cenote is a well 50m in diameter north-south and 60.5m in east-west, with almost vertical walls that widen towards the water level, forming limestone cavities.
- The distance from the edge to the water level is 22 meters, and the distance from there to the bottom is about 20 meters of water with muddy sediments that can reach a thickness of 4 meters, especially in the center.
- They also attached an irregular platform, almost on the edge of the well, which they possibly threw into the Gran Cenote. There are carved stones on this platform that are similar to those on the Great Ball Court, implying that the practice of sacrifices in the Cenote dates back to later times, though they previously made other offerings to the god of water.
- The greenish color of the water is caused by algae, microorganisms, and the shade of the surrounding vegetation.
- The rocky rim of the pit, particularly its southern side, had been sufficiently conditioned to the point of displaying some kind of two-level grandstands, possibly for better accommodation of the public who attended the ceremonies.
CEREMONIAL OFFERINGS
- The pre-Hispanic Maya made ceremonial offerings to the water god as part of the cult offered to the water god, throwing many precious objects into the well.
- They later introduced the practice of human sacrifice. Warriors, children, and maidens were thrown to the bottom of the cenote.
- They built some platforms on two levels on one side of the well’s south bank, which may have served as seats for those who witnessed the ceremonies.
- It also had ruins of a building converted into a steam bath or temazcal, where victims are said to have died.
- Over 200 bodies, jewels, ceramics, and gold pieces have been discovered as part of the archaeological findings in the cenote to this day.
- The priests performed rituals in the area’s temples, using the cenote’s sacred water.
- The tremendous sacred well was considered of utmost importance for the well-being of all Mayans, and as a form of worship, they offered an infinite number of things and sacrifices to the God of Rain.
- The Sacred Cenote is one of the cenotes where the most tributes and sacrifices occurred.
- The Sacred Cenote was a pilgrimage site for the ancient Mayans. Even though most of the offerings promised were not from Yucatan, pilgrims had to travel long distances to offer their valuable objects to Chaac.
CHICHEN ITZA TOUR
- The legendary Temple of Kukulcán and the Temple of the Warriors, both decorated with images of war and guarded by a forest of columns, are among the most spectacular temples of Chichen Itza.
- After that, you can visit the Sacred Cenote of Chichen Itza, where you can swim in its depths, take photos, or enjoy the stunning scenery.
- On the day of your visit to the Sacred Cenote, you must pay approximately 93 Mexican pesos for each person to rent life jackets. You should be aware that its use is required for security reasons.
- The tour prices in Chichen Itza generally vary, but they are always within a reasonable range unless it is peak season.
- Adults in Mexico: 900 to 950 Mexican pesos.
- Adults from other countries should expect to pay between 900 and 950 Mexican pesos.
- Mexican children (3 to 11 years old): 700 to 760 Mexican pesos.
- Foreign-born children: between 750 and 800 Mexican pesos.
- The tour is free for children under the age of three.
Cenote Sagrado Mexico Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Cenote Sagrado across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Cenote Sagrado. Sacred Cenote (Well of Sacrifice) is a well-known cenote (a natural pit or sinkhole) at Chichen Itza, a Mayan site.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Cenote Sagrado Facts
- True or False
- Cenotes
- Complete the Sentence
- Define Me!
- Holy Water
- Chichen Itza
- Ceremonial Site
- A Natural Sinkhole
- What to expect?
- The Historical Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cenote Sagrado?
Cenote Sagrado, also known as Sacred Cenote, is a natural sinkhole located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is a freshwater swimming hole that was considered a sacred site by the ancient Maya civilization. It is also a popular tourist destination, known for its crystal clear water and unique geological formations.
Where is Cenote Sagrado located?
Cenote Sagrado is located in the ancient city of Chichen Itza, in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. It is located about 120 miles east of Merida, the capital of Yucatan.
What is the history of Cenote Sagrado?
Cenote Sagrado was considered a sacred site by the ancient Maya civilization, who believed that the cenote was a portal to the underworld. They performed human sacrifices, throwing people into the cenote as an offering to the gods. The cenote was also used as a source of fresh water for the ancient city of Chichen Itza.
Can you swim in Cenote Sagrado?
Yes, visitors are allowed to swim in Cenote Sagrado, and it is a popular activity. The water is crystal-clear and is a refreshing break from the hot Mexican sun. However, visitors should be aware that the water is also deep and may have strong currents, so swimming is not recommended for weak swimmers.
How much does it cost to visit Cenote Sagrado?
The cost to visit Cenote Sagrado varies depending on the tour company and the package chosen. A general admission ticket can cost around $20 – $30 USD. Some tour companies include transportation and other activities, such as visiting Chichen Itza, which can be more expensive.
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