A recent study indicates that the Maya civilization may have sacrificed more boys than girls.
The discovery was made in Mexico‘s Yucatan peninsula, the site of the ancient city of Chichén Itzá, known for its ritual sacrifices during 800 to 1000 AD. Despite this, the sacrificial practices remained obscure.
The Maya civilization, spanning countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE, was renowned for its expertise in astronomy, mathematics, calendar systems, and intricate architecture.
Ritual killings were a significant aspect of Maya culture, tied to religious beliefs for pleasing the gods, ensuring agricultural fertility, and maintaining cosmic harmony. These sacrifices, often involving high-ranking prisoners or volunteers, were conducted at important ceremonies.
An international research team, including experts from Harvard University and Max Planck Institutes, analyzed 64 children’s remains found near the Sacred Cenote in a subterranean chamber used for rituals between 800 and 1500 CE.
The DNA analysis revealed that all the children were male, contradicting previous assumptions that females were preferred for sacrifices.
Some children were identified as twins or close relatives, suggesting they were chosen for specific ritual purposes.
Christina Warinner from Harvard University noted that historical accounts wrongly depicted female sacrifices at Chichén Itzá, emphasizing the connection between Maya texts and the sacrificial practices.
Further genetic analysis highlighted the Maya’s resistance to diseases like Salmonella, potentially stemming from a 16th-century epidemic, impacting modern-day Maya populations.
Johannes Krause emphasized that ancient DNA data dispelled misconceptions and offered profound insights into the Maya culture and historical events.