Scientists have discovered the world's longest underwater cave system in the heart of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, containing artifacts from the ancient Mayan civilisation. The 216-mile (347-kilometre) cave, named Sac Actun, was found by researchers from the Great Mayan Aquifer (GAM) project, a multidisciplinary organisation under Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
The discovery connects two previously known underwater caverns, Sac Actun and Dos Ojos, near the town of Tulum. After ten months of exploration, the team confirmed the link on 10 January, making Sac Actun the longest underwater cave system in the world, surpassing the previous record held by the Ox Bel Ha system.
Archaeologist Guillermo de Anda, director of GAM, described the find as 'the most important submerged archaeological site in the world'. The cave contains over 100 archaeological elements, including remains of extinct fauna, early humans, Mayan ceramics, and graves. 'It gives us enormous perspective in understanding the leaders of ancient settlements, how they could develop,' de Anda said.
Stunning footage captured by divers wearing GoPro cameras shows them navigating blue waters and narrow crevices, passing rocks embedded with bones, pots, and stone markings. The cave system is believed to have been used by the Mayans for rituals and as a pilgrimage site, offering new insights into pre-Hispanic settlements.
The discovery highlights the importance of the Yucatán Peninsula's underwater caves, which hold clues to the region's history from the Pleistocene era through the colonial period. Researchers continue to explore the system, which may reveal further archaeological treasures.
