Mayan ritual site — where healers made offerings — discovered in Mexico, officials say

The ruins of a Mayan ritual site were unearthed during archaeological excavations in Mexico, officials said.

While the structure dates back at least 500 years, it was used by local inhabitants as recently as several decades ago.

Built from stone blocks in a circular formation, the building was uncovered in the town of Atlapexco, located about 185 miles northeast of Mexico City, according to a June 26 news release from the National Institute of Anthropology and History. (INAH).

The site was first brought to the attention of archaeologists when a local resident stumbled upon it while attempting to expand his pasture.

Standing about 11 feet high, the building features a well-preserved staircase, officials said.

Excavations also revealed it to be part of a larger structure, which would have measured about 50 feet in diameter.

While the structure’s exact origins are unclear, pieces of obsidian found on the surface indicate it was occupied sometime during the Postclassic period, which spanned from 900 to 1521 A.D.

During that time, it would have been used by healers to make offerings, officials said.

Mayans used offerings — including of incense, tobacco and food — as a way to curry favor with their gods and maintain cosmological balance, according to a study published in April in the journal PLOS One.

Interviews with nearby inhabitants suggest a priest ordered the destruction of some of the site years ago.

However, this did not stop it from being used for ritual purposes. As recently as a few decades ago, healers traveled to the site to make requests.

They would have accompanied sick people to make offerings of bread, liquor and zacahuil, a large tamale made with corn dough.

The site will now be protected as archaeologists continue to excavate it, officials said.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from INAH.

This story was originally published June 27, 2024 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Mayan ritual site — where healers made offerings — discovered in Mexico, officials say."