In the same way, the Maya used these cenotes for more than just a source of water. The cenotes and caves of the Yucatan, besides being used for substance purposes, held significant spiritual meaning to the Mayan culture. Called Xibalba, entrances to the underworld, where the Mayan gods and ancestors could be contacted by the living. Within these underground chambers, many sacred ceremonies and rituals were held. They were known to be closer to divine and withheld supernatural powers, for this reason it has been speculated by many archaeologists that these cenotes were used as a human sacrifice and burial site. Within these same structures, numerous skeletal remains of Mayans have been found. The Mayans only water source would have been contaminated