Sacbe

What is a Sacbe?

A sacbe is a special kind of raised, paved road built a long time ago by the Maya people. These roads were called “white roads” because they used to have a shiny white coating made from limestone. They helped connect important places like temples, markets, and big city squares.

Where Did Sacbes Go?

Sacbes can still be seen today in places where the Maya lived long ago. One famous example is at Chichen Itza, where a sacbe leads from the main area near El Castillo to the Sacred Cenote. Another long road links Uxmal with Kabah. The longest known sacbe ran between the cities of Coba and Yaxuna. Scientists use special radar to find more hidden sacbes deep in the jungle.

Why Were Sacbes Built?

The Maya built sacbes to help people travel, trade, and visit important places. Some roads were used for special ceremonies or trips to holy spots. Because they were raised, the roads were easy to walk on, even near water like rivers or cenotes. Today, studying these old roads helps us learn about the clever ways the Maya lived and worked together.