Located in Belize’s lowlands are 23 freshwater pools that resemble jewels embedded 1 the region’s lush jungle. When Dr. Lisa J. Lucero was shown the pools in 1997, she wondered why no major Maya settlements had been found here in Cara Blanca, which appears to be ideal for human habitation. It has decent soils nearby and year-round water, yet not a 2 of settlement. Maya civilization was based in southern Mexico and northern Central America 3 600 BCE to 900 CE. Lucero is an expert in Maya civilization and has written books on Maya history and 4 of water resources. Lucero has a theory on 5 the jungle at Cara Blanca is not littered with Maya ruins. While there are 6 iconic settlements in the region, Cara Blanca is notable for pockets of cenotes, which are large sinkholes filled with groundwater. Lucero thinks the presence of a 7 Maya ceremonial structures near the pools might mean the area was of particular importance to the ancient civilisation. In Maya society, water bodies and caves are considered sacred, from 8 the dead get to Xibalba, the underworld.