A recent study published on Tuesday revealed a shocking discovery of a ritual sacrifice of a child in ancient Mexico, shedding light on the dark practices of the past. The site of the sacrifice was unearthed in Paquimé, located in northern Chihuahua, Mexico, which was once a bustling multicultural hub between the 13th and 14th centuries A.D. The findings, detailed in the journal Antiquities, have sparked debates about the social structure and customs of the people who inhabited this region.
The remains of a young male child, estimated to be between two and five years old at the time of his death, have long hinted at a ritual sacrifice. However, new DNA analysis of the body has revealed a disturbing truth – the child’s parents were more closely related than first cousins. This high level of consanguinity suggests that the child was likely the result of inbreeding, a practice that was not uncommon in ancient societies.
According to study author Jakob Sedig, the discovery provides unique insights into the social hierarchy and religious practices of the people at Paquimé. The child’s burial in an area reserved for local elite suggests that he was the offspring of powerful individuals, making his sacrifice even more significant in terms of social, political, and ritual implications.
Inbreeding and incest, once thought to be rare occurrences, are now believed to be more common than previously thought. While earlier estimates put the rate of inbreeding at around one in a million, recent research suggests that the actual number is closer to one in 7,000. This revelation challenges our understanding of ancient societies and the extent to which these practices were accepted and even encouraged.
Moving forward, researchers plan to continue analyzing ancient DNA from individuals in Paquimé and other regions of Mexico to gain a better understanding of how different groups interacted and intermingled over time. By studying the genetic makeup of these ancient populations, scientists hope to unravel the complexities of social dynamics, migration patterns, and cultural practices in ancient Mexico.
The discovery of the ritual sacrifice of a child in ancient Mexico serves as a stark reminder of the dark and often brutal practices that were prevalent in the past. It also highlights the importance of ongoing research and analysis to uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations and shed light on the complexities of human history.