National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Friday, September 5, 2008

Beyond ''Apocalypto'': What Maya Empire Looked Like

More
News
Photos

Beyond Apocalypto -- What Maya Empire Looked Like

Email to a Friend

<< Previous 4 of 8 Next >>

What's This?

RELATED STORIES

Frozen in time by a temple mural (shown digitally enhanced) in Mexico's Maya city of Bonampak, noblewomen pierce their tongues in a bloodletting ritual.

Maya royals, who considered this gruesome task an honor, used thorns, flints, and stingray spines to puncture their tongues, ears, and genitals.

The spilled blood was collected on strips of paper and burned in homage to the gods—and in some cases to communicate with ancestors or to commemorate events such as a victory in battle or accession to the throne.

What Ancient Culture Did You Come From?
To find out, participate in the Genographic Project.

—Computer reconstruction by Doug Stern