Xibalba: Nine-Leveled Underground Place Of Fear Ruled By Lords Of Death In Maya Beliefs
A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - The ancient Maya believed that the underworld – Xibalba – was a terrifying realm often described as a “place of fear.” In their cosmology, it was not simply a distant or symbolic location, but a powerful, active domain that influenced both the world of the living and the realm of the gods.
In some ancient accounts, Xibalba is portrayed as a shadowy kingdom ruled by malevolent deities or demons, constantly plotting against the gods in heaven, seeking to undermine cosmic order and harmony.
After the creation of the earth, the Popol Vuh says that one of the routes from the surface of the earth to the Xibalba council house was through a cave passageway at the eastern horizon. It was reached by traveling along a dangerous, rocky road riddled with obstacles, such as a river filled with blood and another full of scorpions.
This large underground city is organized into nine, gradually descending levels. It contains passages, dark caves, and the living spaces occupied by the Lords of Xibalba.
This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.
Become a member to read more - Click here
If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here
See also:
Centeotl: Lord Of Maize Who Was Revered Before The Olmecs By All Mesoamerica’s Inhabitants
Knowledge Of Secret Ancient Underground Civilization Revealed By Maya Priests
More From Ancient Pages
-
Ancient Secrets Of The Masters Of Mu – Keepers Of Sacred Knowledge – Part 2
Ancient Mysteries | Aug 25, 2018 -
Remarkable And Unexplained Historical Sighting Reported By Multiple Witnesses In Wyoming
Featured Stories | Sep 26, 2024 -
Golden Stool Of Ashanti People And Legend Of The Black Cloud Appearing In The Sky
African Mythology | Dec 8, 2025 -
Kentucky’s Little-Known Ancient Underground City And Mysterious Lost Civilization
Featured Stories | Jun 13, 2024 -
Celtiberians: Intriguing Martial Culture And Their Skilled Warrior Infantry
Civilizations | Jul 13, 2024 -
Why Did Vikings Carry Decorative Swords That Were Useless In Combat?
Ancient History Facts | Jun 8, 2024 -
William The Conqueror: Ruthless And Powerful Ruler Who Changed Britain Forever
Featured Stories | Feb 25, 2023 -
Evidence Reveals Ancient Saudi Arabia Had A Complex, Thriving Society, Contradicting Notions Of A Struggling Population In Barren Lands
Featured Stories | Aug 21, 2024 -
800-Year-Old Skeleton Discovered In Well Confirms The Saga Of King Sverre
Archaeology | Nov 7, 2014 -
5 Traces Of Ancient Ancestors That Still Exist In All Human Bodies Today
Featured Stories | Jan 23, 2023 -
Unusual Ancient Roman Miniature Spear Puzzles Archaeologists – A Unique Find In Britain
Featured Stories | Feb 1, 2026 -
Ancient Roman Wine Production May Hold Clues For Battling Climate Change
Featured Stories | Jan 4, 2024 -
Vikings’ Hideouts, Harbours And Homes: How Norse Warriors Owed Their Success To Their Encampments
Featured Stories | Feb 17, 2023 -
Secret Ancient Knowledge Of The Druids And The Mystery Of The Missing Library Of Iona
Ancient Mysteries | Sep 4, 2016 -
Perplexing Accounts Of Ancient People Who Demonstrated Incredible Powers Of The Human Mind
Featured Stories | Feb 1, 2019 -
Evidence Of An Advanced Ancient Civilization In Texas That Mysteriously Disappeared
Ancient Mysteries | Jul 18, 2024 -
Never-Ending Battles Between God Ra And Indestructible Apophis In Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
Featured Stories | May 20, 2021 -
America’s Mysterious Pedro Mountain Mummy And The Hidden Race Of Little People
Ancient Mysteries | Jul 3, 2014 -
The Man Who Took The Greatest Alchemy Secret Of All Time To His Grave
Ancient Mysteries | Jul 16, 2020 -
Cadmus – Legendary Phoenician Hero And Founder Of Prosperous City Of Thebes
Featured Stories | Jan 18, 2026



