Tortuguero Monument 6
Photo: William Vroman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tortuguero Monument 6 is a carved limestone stela discovered at the ancient Maya archaeological site of Tortuguero in the Mexican state of Tabasco. The monument, measuring approximately 3 meters in height, contains hieroglyphic inscriptions that include one of only a handful of references in Maya epigraphy to the completion of the 13th b'ak'tun on December 21, 2012. The site itself sits on elevated ground overlooking the coastal plain of Tabasco, where dense tropical vegetation has reclaimed much of the ancient city. Today, visitors can observe the weathered but still readable glyphs that sparked worldwide attention during the 2012 doomsday phenomenon.
Timeline
Tortuguero begins to emerge as a significant Maya settlement during the Classic Period
Monument 6 is erected during the reign of local ruler Bahlam Ajaw, containing the prophetic inscription
Tortuguero is largely abandoned along with other Classic Maya cities
Monument 6 is discovered and excavated by archaeologists studying the Tortuguero site
The monument gains international attention as the December 21st date approaches
What the Show Claims
- ›The inscription on Monument 6 referencing the return of god Bolon Yokte on December 21, 2012 is a direct prophecy placed by aliens through the Maya, predicting the end of the worldS02E09
Theorist Takes
“GIORGIO A. [TSOUKALOS]: Scholars agree upon one date when the calendar allegedly started, and that was the 11th of August, 3114 BC. In 3114 BC, the Maya did not even exist, so what compelled them to start their calendar in 3114 BC?”
From the Transcripts
“Tortuguero, Mexico. Within this archaeological site lies the ruins of a Maya city that once thrived from 250 to 900 AD.”
What Archaeology Says
Archaeological investigations at Tortuguero have revealed a complex urban center that flourished throughout the Classic Maya period. The site contains numerous temples, palaces, and residential structures arranged around several plazas, with Monument 6 originally positioned in a ceremonial context near the main temple complex. The monument's hieroglyphic inscription, deciphered by leading Maya epigraphers, describes historical events during the reign of Bahlam Ajaw and concludes with a reference to the descent or return of the deity Bolon Yokte at the end of the 13th b'ak'tun.
Mainstream Maya scholars, including David Stuart of the University of Texas, interpret the 2012 reference as a standard Maya practice of projecting significant dates far into the future, similar to how we might reference the year 3000. The Maya Long Count calendar operates in cycles, and the completion of 13 b'ak'tuns (approximately 5,125 years) marked the end of one great cycle and the beginning of another. Rather than predicting apocalypse, most epigraphers believe the text describes a ceremonial event or divine transformation associated with this calendrical milestone.
What remains genuinely intriguing about Monument 6 is the rarity of such far-future dates in Maya inscriptions and the specific mention of Bolon Yokte, a deity whose exact nature and significance are still debated among scholars. The monument represents one of our few windows into how the ancient Maya conceived of deep time and cosmic cycles, making it an invaluable resource for understanding Maya cosmology regardless of any extraterrestrial interpretations.
Mysteries & Fun Facts
Monument 6 contains one of only two known Maya inscriptions that specifically reference the December 21, 2012 date
The deity Bolon Yokte mentioned in the inscription translates roughly to 'Nine Support Gods' or 'God of Nine Strides'
The Maya Long Count calendar that culminated in 2012 began on a mythical creation date equivalent to August 11, 3114 BC in our calendar
Tortuguero's name comes from the Spanish word for turtle, reflecting the area's abundant turtle population
Planning a Visit
Tortuguero is generally accessible to visitors, though the site requires advance planning as it's located in a relatively remote area of Tabasco state. Monument 6 can be viewed on-site, where informational plaques provide context about the famous inscription and its historical significance.
Villahermosa, approximately 50 kilometers northeast
The dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the jungle-covered ruins. During the wet season, high humidity and frequent rainfall can make site access more challenging.
Related Sites
Chichen Itza - Kukulkan Temple
Another major Maya site associated with astronomical alignments and calendar prophecies on Ancient Aliens
Teotihuacan
Mesoamerican pyramid complex frequently featured on the show for its mysterious construction and possible alien connections
Calakmul
Important Maya city-state that shares the same Classic Period timeline and cultural context as Tortuguero