التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
| العنوان: |
Why did the ancient Maya sacrifice children? DNA provides clues. |
| المؤلفون: |
Curry, Andrew |
| المصدر: |
Sciencemag.org; 6/12/2024, pN.PAG-N.PAG, 1p |
| مصطلحات موضوعية: |
MAYAS, MONOZYGOTIC twins, DNA, SEX (Biology), HUMAN sacrifice |
| مستخلص: |
A recent study published in Nature has shed light on the ancient Maya practice of sacrificing children. DNA analysis of the bones of 64 sacrificed children found near the ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá revealed that all of them were male, some were twins, and 25% were close relatives. This pattern aligns with the Maya creation story of the Hero Twins and suggests that the sacrifices were connected to agricultural rituals. The DNA also showed that the sacrificed children were related to Indigenous Maya people living in the region today, providing insight into the survival of some Maya populations during European conquest. The study also revealed similarities in diet among genetically related children, indicating that they may have been raised in the same households or specifically prepared for sacrifice. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the sacrifices were part of a ritual calendar rather than a response to crisis. Spanish accounts of the time claimed that sacrificed children were often orphans or enslaved captives, but the DNA analysis supports the idea that sacrifice was esteemed and reserved for specific families. The study also compared the DNA of the sacrificed children with that of modern Indigenous Maya people, revealing genetic continuity over more than 1000 years and providing insights into the impact of colonization on the Maya population. The findings have been well-received by the local Maya community, as they confirm their ancestral connection to Chichén Itzá and provide a sense of identity and continuity. [Extracted from the article] |
|
Copyright of Sciencemag.org is the property of American Association for the Advancement of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| قاعدة البيانات: |
Complementary Index |
