Delve into the Secret Cave Entrances, the mysterious cavern of death in South America, and explore the fascinating history of subterranean tunnels across the continent.
Key points
The Liyobaa Cave Entrances
In the annals of history, hidden beneath the layers of time and conquest, lies the enigmatic Liyobaa Cave—referred to by the Spanish Conquistadores as the entrance to “Hell.” Situated in the province of Zapoteca, near the ancient village of Mictlan, this cave, known as “The Cavern of Death,” held secrets that would send shivers down the spine of any who dared to unveil them.
The Liyobaa complex comprised eight chambers, with the last one hidden underground. The ordinary ceremonies for the common man were conducted in the upper rooms, while the depths harbored the clandestine rituals of the high priests. The first underground chamber, adorned with images of deities, served as a sacrificial altar where human hearts were offered to stone idols.
Descending further led to crypts housing the deceased high priests and former kings of Theozapotlan, their bodies preserved with grandeur and sacrifice. The final chamber, covered by a massive stone slab, was believed to be an entrance to Hades by the Catholic priests of the time, but in reality, it was a portal to a Dero larder—a storage space for the bodies of sacrifices and fallen warriors.
Attempting to Christianize the indigenous believers, Catholic priests ventured into the Liyobaa entrance, but a terrifying journey awaited them. Descending through stone-paved passageways, battling the putrid air and retreating serpents, they encountered a cold wind and strange sounds, forcing a hasty retreat.
The aftermath saw the sealing of Liyobaa’s underground chambers, erasing any trace of the stairs. Yet, this was just one chapter in the subterranean mysteries of South America.
Exploring the Tunnels of South America
From the Aztecs’ dreaded “Tlaxico” to the Mayas’ icy “Mitlan,” and the Incas’ god of death’s “Place of Darkness,” the belief in subterranean realms was ingrained in ancient civilizations. Legends spoke of vast underground tunnels, and the quest for hidden treasures became intertwined with the history of conquest.
In Peru and Chile, tales of “Supai’s” underground dwelling and the Inca’s rumored wealth stored in a vast tunnel fueled the Spanish Conquistadores’ ambitions. The entrance, concealed by the priests, remains a mystery, guarded by the descendants of the Inca’s priests.
The search extended to monoliths and hieroglyphics in Peru, where Mme. Blavatsky uncovered clues in the Ila monolith and Sun Temple. Harold T. Wilkins, delving into Mysteries of Ancient South America, speculated on underground roads connecting Lima to Cusco and stretching over 900 miles to Salar de Atacama in Chile.
Yet, cataclysms and earth shifts obscured these tunnels, leaving researchers to ponder their existence. The legend of a tribe migrating from South America to the Southwest United States suggests interconnected tunnels, sparking intrigue into how ancient Indians navigated the dark passages.
The Maltese Cave Entrance: Portal to the Past
The Maltese Islands, with their rich history dating back to the Phoenicians, harbor the Hypogeum of Hal Saflienti—a complex of caves discovered during a well-digging expedition in 1902. Situated in the village of Casal Paula, the Hypogeum revealed a series of underground chambers adorned with primitive murals.
From the “Oracle” chamber with its amplified voice effect to the circular stone altar and bunk bed-like niches, the Hypogeum painted a picture of ritualistic practices. Legends hint at connections to the Catacombs of Rome, sealed off after the mysterious disappearance of a schoolteacher and 30 students.
The wailing and screams heard for weeks, coupled with inexplicable events, led to the sealing of the Maltese Cave entrance. The allure of what lies beyond remains, concealed beneath layers of earth and time, a testament to the enduring mysteries of subterranean worlds.
As we unravel the secrets of Liyobaa and the tunnels of South America, and ponder the sealed entrance in Malta, one can’t help but wonder—do these caves guard the keys to ancient civilizations, or are they merely portals to the imagination’s depths? The answers, shrouded in mystery, continue to elude us, inviting intrepid minds to explore the uncharted realms beneath our feet.
