The rarely photographed Actun Tunichil Muknal cave was used as a sacred sacrificial site for the ancient Maya. The cave contains dozens of skeletons including the calcified remains of an eighteen-year-old woman known as, “The Crystal Maiden.” National Geographic was granted special access to explore this Maya archaeological site in this deleted scene from National Geographic's One Strange Rock. ➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe About One Strange Rock From award-winning filmmaker Darren Aronofsky comes a mind-bending, thrilling journey that explores the fragility and wonder of planet Earth—one of the most peculiar, unique places in the universe. Darren Aronofsky, Will Smith, and experienced astronauts join forces to tell the extraordinary story of why life as we know it exists on Earth. Get More National Geographic: Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBNatGeo Twitter: http://bit.ly/NatGeoTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/NatGeoInsta Read "Ancient Maya Sacrificial Cave Revealed in Rare Footage" here: https://on.natgeo.com/2HfyOeh About National Geographic: National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible. Belize's Ancient Maya Sacrificial Cave: Rare Footage | One Strange Rock https://youtu.be/vRjnhwWSiEI National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/natgeo

Led by the archeologist who originally discovered her, I meet the naturally-preserved skeleton of a victim of Mayan sacrifice. Terrifying sight in the darkness...

In Secrets Beneath the Maya, expert cave surveyors and archaeologists journey into the rainforests of Central America to explore vast underground cave systems once used by the ancient Maya. Deep beneath the jungle, they uncover sacred cenotes, mysterious stone constructions, and chilling evidence of human sacrifice—rituals born from a civilization in crisis. Using cutting-edge 3D scanning technology, the team maps hidden chambers and ceremonial structures that may have hosted thousands of pilgrims. With each discovery, they piece together the story of how the Maya turned to the underworld in their final desperate attempt to survive one of the worst droughts in history. From mythical underworlds and jaguar gods to deadly “bad air” and modern Maya traditions, this film reveals an ancient society’s spiritual struggle against environmental collapse—and what it can teach us today. Could the Maya caves hold the key to understanding our own climate future? #documentary #maya #caves #archaeology #centralamerica #history #climatechange #undergroundworlds #rituals #exploration ---- The universe is vast, much like our imagination. In "space and science", we show you various documentaries and highlights from outer space. No matter if stars or planets, meteoroids or black holes, relax and enjoy our content! :) ---- Other channels you might be interested in: criminals and crimefighters: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYuXyzwA_w4-c1FJrqOnR0A hazards and catastrophes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5WE_bClugxSVG1ENir8qzg