Biology

Ancient genomes reveal insights into ritual life at Chichén Itzá

R. Barquera, O. D. Castillo-chávez, et al.

Delve into the intriguing genetic legacy of the ancient Mayans with this study on 64 subadult individuals discovered in a mass burial near the Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá. This research highlights the role of monozygotic twins in Mayan culture, revealing striking genetic continuity with modern populations amidst adaptation to diseases brought by colonization. Conducted by a renowned team of authors including Rodrigo Barquera and Oana Del Castillo-Chávez.

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Abstract

This study presents genome-wide data from 64 male subadult individuals found in a subterranean mass burial near the Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá. Genetic analysis revealed several closely related individuals, including two pairs of monozygotic twins, highlighting the significance of twins in Mayan mythology. Comparisons with modern populations showed genetic continuity, except for immune-related loci, suggesting adaptation to post-colonial infectious diseases.

Publisher

Nature

Published On

Jun 27, 2024

Authors

Rodrigo Barquera, Oana Del Castillo-Chávez, Kathrin Nägele, Patxi Pérez-Ramallo, Diana Iraíz Hernández-Zaragoza, András Szolek, Adam Benjamin Rohrlach, Pablo Librado, Ainash Childebayeva, Raffaela Angelina Bianco, Bridget S. Penman, Victor Acuña-Alonzo, Mary Lucas, Julio César Lara-Riegos, María Ermila Moo-Mezeta, Julio César Torres-Romero, Patrick Roberts, Oliver Kohlbacher, Christina Warinner, Johannes Krause

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