A new study analyzed ancient DNA from 64 human remains found in an underground chamber near the sacred cenote (sinkhole) at the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza in Mexico.
Researchers had long thought Maya sacrifice victims were often young females, based on early accounts. The new DNA analysis finds this was incorrect.
Surprisingly, the remains all belonged to young boys between the ages of 3-6 years old. At least a quarter were closely related, including two sets of twins.
This suggests related male children were specifically targeted for ritual sacrifices linked to the chamber, which was used for ritual deposits for 500 years.
The DNA was also matched to present-day Maya people, showing genetic continuity between ancient and modern populations in the region.
The study challenges old assumptions and provides new insights into Maya sacrificial practices, showing they were more complex than previously thought based on skeletal analysis alone. Ancient DNA is helping reveal a more accurate picture of the past.
Source: CNN