November 09, 2008 14:29 EST
TZIBICHEN CENOTE, Mexico (AP) -- A Mexican archaeologist thinks he may have discovered a long-lost road to the afterworld, the Mayans' so-called highway through Hell.

The University of Yucatan scholar used trial testimony from the Spanish Inquisition to locate the series of caves. He says they may be the spot the Mayas used to depict the afterlife: a terrifying passage across rivers of blood, and rooms filled with sharp knives, bats and jaguars.

He says it was a dark place of fear, danger and "the abyss." Among the discoveries are a paved, 100-yard underground road, a submerged temple, walled-off stone rooms and the "confusing crossroads" of the legends. Ancient skulls are scattered around.

The caves are very remote and hidden -- possibly because, even as the Maya were forced to convert to Christianity, they still slipped away to worship underground.
http://www.kgan.com/template/inews_wire/wires.international/2c168994-www.kgan.com.shtml

very cool. thx for posting this.