San Gervasio (Maya site)

San Gervasio is an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located at the approximate center of the island of Cozumel off the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is situated in what is now the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The ruins were once a hub of worship to the goddess Ix Chel ( meaning "She of the Rainbows"): deity of midwifery, fertility, medicine, and weaving. Pre-Columbian Maya people would travel to the site and make offerings at certain times of the year.

Overview

Most structures have roofs less than tall and include interior stone walls and exterior columns. Much of the shape of the structures and their roofs remain a mystery as they were enhanced by wood and straw when in their original condition. It is also speculated that further wood and straw huts surrounded many of the buildings, particularly the Plaza Central.

San Gervasio is a federal and state park of the United Mexican States and Quintana Roo.

The ruins and the various roads to and from each site are overgrown and there are numerous animals, particularly lizards of every size including iguanas that reach over long. As the roads are the only areas not completely shaded by the rain forest surrounding the ruins lizards sun themselves on the road throughout the park, and are relatively acclimatized to humans.

History

At the time these ruins were discovered by a Spanish landing party they had already been abandoned. It is likely that the diseases Maya...
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