Recent archaeological explorations beneath the Church of San Pablo Apostol in Mitla, Mexico, have revealed a network of ancient tunnels and chambers, believed to be linked to the Zapotec civilization's underworld mythology. This discovery, made using non-invasive techniques, uncovers structures that extend beyond 30 meters deep.
Mitla, known as the 'place of the dead,' was a significant city for the Zapotecs, associated with their god of death, Pitao Bezelao. Spanish colonizers razed the city in the 16th century, constructing a church atop the ruins of the most important Zapotec temple. Historical accounts suggest that the area contained vast caverns, previously thought to be mythical.
Marco Vigato, leading the ARX Project, noted that one chamber measures approximately 15 meters by 10 meters and may connect to other unexplored anomalies. The tunnels' origins remain uncertain; they could date back to the Zapotecs or be much older. The findings could potentially reveal royal burial sites, as described by priest Francisco de Burgoa in the 17th century.
The underground structures were identified using ground-penetrating radar, electric resistivity tomography, and seismic noise tomography. These methods help visualize subsurface features without excavation, providing a clearer understanding of the site's historical significance.
Researchers aim to further investigate these cavities to determine their age and the potential presence of archaeological artifacts. The Zapotec civilization, which flourished for over 2,300 years, continues to be a subject of fascination, with descendants still residing in the region today.