Decapitated and Dismembered: Dozens of Human Sacrifices Discovered Beneath the Mayan Pyramid

The bones of at least 25 human sacrifices have been found at a Mayan ruin in southeastern Mexico. Under a temple pyramid at the Moral-Reforma archaeological site in Tabasco state, researchers discovered skulls, jaw fragments and other bone fragments of mostly young men, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced Wednesday (local time).

Archaeologists assumed that the so-called Structure 18, where the find was made, was related to death or to an underworld god of the Mayan faith. According to project leader Francisco Cuevas, eight victims were beheaded. Other body parts were dismembered and scattered.

The researchers found two separate burial sites, one on top of the other at different depths. According to the INAH, the oldest dates from between 300 BC. and 250 AD and contained the remains of twelve people. 567 objects such as chains and barrels were also found there as offerings.

The other cemetery is believed to date between 600 and 900 AD. At that time, the Maya site on the San Pedro Mártir River played an important role in the exchange of goods and cultures between the Maya peoples of the Guatemalan Petén and those of the played on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. (sda/dpa)