DNA reveals ritual of sacrificing boys, including twins, in ancient Mayan city, scientists say
CBSN
In-depth research focusing on genetic material found at an ancient Mayan temple points to a pattern of sacrificing twin boys and other close relatives, according to a new study conducted by an international team of experts.
The city of Chichén Itzá, built on what is now Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, has been investigated by archaeologists for over 100 years, according to a news release from the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science, an independent association of German research institutes. Multiple researchers associated with the Max Planck Institutes were part of the multi-part analysis backing the new study. The city is "perhaps best known for its extensive evidence of ritual killing," a news release announcing the findings noted.
Previous archaeologists have found physical remains of people who were sacrificed, the news release said, and dredging of the city's Sacred Cenote, a large sinkhole in the city, revealed the remains of hundreds of human sacrifices.
