Deep beneath a centuries-old church in Mexico, archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery that connects the present to an ancient civilization's beliefs about the afterlife.

According to Daily Mail, researchers have uncovered an extensive network of tunnels and chambers underneath the Church of San Pablo Apostol in Mitla, believed to be the legendary "back door of hell" described in historical texts.

The ARX Project, leading this remarkable investigation, has employed cutting-edge technology to reveal multiple underground chambers extending as deep as 30 meters beneath the surface. These findings align with historical accounts of the Zapotec civilization's sacred burial grounds and their beliefs about the gateway to the underworld.

Advanced Technology Unveils Ancient Underground Network

The research team utilized three sophisticated detection methods to map the subterranean structures. Ground penetrating radar, electric resistivity tomography, and seismic noise tomography worked in concert to create detailed images of the hidden chambers.

Marco Vigato, the founder of the ARX Project, has identified five distinct sets of ruins for investigation: the church group, the arroyo group, the adobe group, the youth group, and the group of columns. The largest chamber discovered measures approximately 15 meters long by 10 meters wide.

The tunnels' extensive reach suggests possible connections between different sections of the ancient city, though further investigation is needed to confirm these linkages.

Historical Documentation Supports Modern Discovery

A fascinating historical account from 1674 by priest Francisco de Burgoa adds credibility to these findings. His text, "Geografica Descripción," describes elaborate royal burial chambers beneath the city.

The priest's detailed description paints a vivid picture of the Zapotec kings' final resting place. According to his account, each ruler was buried in full regalia, adorned with precious ornaments and positioned as if ready for battle.

Vigato explains the significance of the location, as quoted:

The Zapotecs believed the caves and the subterranean labyrinth under Mitla to be an entrance to the underworld, or Lyobaa. For this reason, Mitla was the centre of the cult of Pitao Bezelao, the Zapotec god of death and the underworld, and was for centuries the cemetery of the Zapotec kings and high priests.

Spanish Colonial Impact On Sacred Zapotec Sites

The construction of the Church of San Pablo Apostol represents a deliberate act of religious conversion by Spanish colonizers. They strategically built their church atop the most significant Zapotec temple in Mitla.

The Spanish settlers dismantled much of the original temple structure, repurposing its stones for the church's foundation. This practice was common during the colonial period, symbolizing the supplanting of indigenous beliefs with Christianity.

The discovery provides tangible evidence of how colonial powers attempted to suppress native religious practices while inadvertently preserving aspects of ancient architecture beneath their own constructions.

Archaeological Mystery Deepens With Age Assessment

The exact age of these underground structures remains undetermined. Evidence suggests human modification of natural caves in the Mitla area dates back nearly 10,000 years, coinciding with the earliest signs of crop domestication in the region.

The tunnels' original purpose and construction date present an intriguing archaeological puzzle. They could be the work of the Zapotec civilization or potentially date back to an even earlier period.

Future archaeological investigations will focus on confirming the geophysical scan findings and searching for artifacts that might help date the structures more precisely.

Why This Story Matters

The uncovering of Mitla's subterranean world sheds light not only on cultural continuity and transformation but also serves as a reminder of the indigenous legacies that linger beneath modern constructions.

It compels us to consider how contemporary societies interact with their ancient pasts and the importance of preserving such links to history. This ongoing dialogue between the old and new underscores the significance of archaeological endeavors in uncovering truths buried under centuries of narrative and conquest.

Chronicles Of The Forgotten Depths

This groundbreaking discovery bridges historical accounts with modern archaeological evidence, confirming long-held local beliefs about Mitla's underground passages. The extensive network of tunnels and chambers provides unprecedented insight into Zapotec burial practices and religious beliefs.