Tortuguero Monument Six
Photo: Enigmamexicano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tortuguero Monument Six is a carved stone panel discovered at the ancient Maya site of Tortuguero in the tropical lowlands of Tabasco, Mexico. The monument measures approximately 1.5 meters in height and features intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions that have sparked intense scholarly debate. Dating to the 7th century AD, this limestone panel represents one of the most controversial Maya texts ever discovered, primarily due to its reference to the Maya Long Count calendar date of December 21, 2012. The site of Tortuguero itself was a significant Maya center during the Classic period, situated along important trade routes through the coastal plains of the Gulf of Mexico. Today, visitors to the region can view replicas of the monument, as the original remains carefully preserved for study. Ancient astronaut theorists have pointed to Monument Six's hieroglyphic references to a significant date and divine beings as potential evidence of extraterrestrial prophecy, suggesting the Maya possessed advanced astronomical or otherworldly knowledge. However, epigraphers note that the relevant passages are substantially eroded and fragmented, making definitive interpretation challenging; current scholarly consensus interprets the legible portions as commemorating a Maya ruler's reign rather than a future cosmic event. The debate over this monument illustrates how damaged ancient texts can invite competing interpretations, from conventional historical records to more speculative theories about the Maya's astronomical sophistication.
Timeline
Monument Six carved at Tortuguero during the Classic Maya period
Tortuguero site abandoned during the Classic Maya collapse
Archaeological excavations begin at Tortuguero site
Monument Six gains international attention due to 2012 date interpretations
What the Show Claims
- ›The hieroglyphs on Monument Six predict the return of nine gods or the deity Bolon Yokte on December 21, 2012, interpreted as a prophecy of extraterrestrial visitationS04E02
- ›The damaged text contains hidden knowledge about ancient alien contact that the Maya encoded in their calendar system
Theorist Takes
“Basically, the inscription in Tortuguero was half destroyed, and everybody assumed that what it was saying was that the nine gods would return on December 21, 2012, but because there was some destruction on that inscription, certain things were implied.”
From the Transcripts
“BARNHART: In my opinion, the one and only clear reference to the date in the Long Count that arrives in 2012 is on Tortuguero Monument Six.”
What Archaeology Says
Archaeological investigations at Tortuguero have revealed that Monument Six was part of a larger complex of carved stones documenting the reign and accomplishments of a Maya ruler known as Bahlam Ajaw. The monument primarily functions as a historical record, detailing political events, military victories, and ritual activities during the 7th century AD. Epigraphers who have studied the hieroglyphic text note that much of the critical passage referencing the 2012 date is severely eroded, making complete translation extremely challenging.
The scientific consensus among Maya scholars is that the monument represents typical Classic period royal propaganda, designed to legitimize the ruler's authority by connecting his reign to cosmic cycles and divine sanction. The reference to December 21, 2012, appears to mark the completion of a 13-baktun cycle in the Maya Long Count calendar, a significant but not necessarily apocalyptic date in Maya cosmology. Leading epigraphers like David Stuart have emphasized that the text focuses on historical events rather than future prophecies.
What remains genuinely intriguing about Monument Six is the incomplete nature of the inscription and the specific mention of Bolon Yokte, a mysterious Maya deity associated with conflict and the underworld. The damaged condition of the stone means that crucial glyphs are missing, leaving room for multiple interpretations of the text's complete meaning. This ambiguity has made the monument a focal point for both serious academic debate and more speculative theories about ancient Maya knowledge.
Mysteries & Fun Facts
Tortuguero Monument Six is one of only two known Maya texts that specifically reference the December 21, 2012 date
The site of Tortuguero was famous in ancient times for producing high-quality cocoa beans used as currency throughout Mesoamerica
The name 'Tortuguero' means 'turtle place' in Spanish, referring to the sea turtles that nest along the nearby coast
The monument's hieroglyphic text includes some of the most complex calendar calculations found in Maya epigraphy
Planning a Visit
The original Monument Six is housed in a controlled environment for preservation, but visitors can view detailed replicas and learn about the site at the nearby Comalcalco archaeological zone. The Tortuguero area is generally accessible to tourists, though travelers should check with local tourism authorities for current site access and guided tour availability.
Villahermosa, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of the Tortuguero site.
The dry season from December to April offers the most comfortable weather conditions for exploring the region. This period avoids the intense heat and heavy rainfall of the tropical wet season.
Related Sites
Chichen Itza - Kukulkan Temple
Another major Maya site featuring elaborate calendar systems and astronomical alignments that have attracted ancient astronaut theories
Teotihuacan
Massive Mesoamerican complex with mysterious origins and advanced urban planning that predates Maya civilization
Calakmul
Important Maya center with hieroglyphic inscriptions that complement the historical record found at Tortuguero