Archaeologists unearth Mexico's historic "entrance to hell" beneath ancient church

Years ago, the Zapotec civilization operated in the areas near Mitla. However, the Spanish conquests at the start of the 16th century brought an end to this civilization, particularly in the central and eastern part of what is now Oaxaca. Historians suggest that the Mexican people used this area for religious worship, leading to the presence of this unique temple.

Following the conquest of Mexico, the Spanish erected a cross atop the ancient building and repurposed it as a Catholic church. Concurrently, the secrets hidden within the temple began to be uncovered, leading to many fascinating discoveries over the years, as reported by "Daily Star".

Archaeological work has unveiled an "entrance to hell", which the Zapotec civilization conceived as a passage between the world of the living and the dead. This gateway was symbolized by an entrance located beneath the main altar of their church, found roughly 8 meters below ground.

The recent discovery is the outcome of research conducted by specialists from the Mexican National Institute of History and Anthropology. They employed special geophysical scanning during their studies to determine the shape of the tunnels and locate the "entrance to hell", as detailed by "Metro".

Findings indicate that the "gateway to hell" conceals additional tunnels and labyrinths. "In 1674, Dominican Father Francisco de Burgoa wrote about the exploration of Mitla ruins and their underground chambers by a group of Spanish missionaries. According to Burgoa's notes, there lies a grand underground temple comprising four interlinked chambers. These are said to contain the tombs of priests and kings of Teozapotlan during that era," stated the Mexicans in a press release.

These interconnected chambers could be essential in locating the tombs, which were sealed off hundreds of years ago.