Genomes Reveal Legacies of Human Sacrifice

Recently, Scientists have used archaeogenetics and evolutionary medicine to bring to light some of the inner lives and beliefs of the Mayan people.

Key findings of the study

• Genetic Analysis: Their studies uncovered that all juvenile individuals in the cenote were genetically male and closely linked through familial relations.
• Revisiting Colonial Narratives: Contrary to 20th-century colonial narratives of young female sacrifices at this site, the study also detected two sets of identical twins among the remains.
• Symbolism and Diets: Twins were revered in Mayan spiritual beliefs and associated with the underworld. 
  • Additionally, isotopic analysis conducted by researchers indicated that all the individuals related by genetics found in the cenote shared similar diets, implying they were members of the same household.
• Mayan Ritual Sacrifices and Agricultural Rituals: The resemblances also indicated they were chosen for a particular role. It is widely held that the Maya conducted ritual sacrifices to ensure abundant maize growth and to appease rain deities.

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Benefits of the Study

• Genetic Immunity Selection: Comparing ancient and modern genomes from Mexico, researchers discovered indications of natural selection in genes linked to immunity, particularly those involved in resistance against enteric fever caused by Salmonella enterica Paratyphi C.
  • This pathogen serotype was previously associated with the 16th century cocoliztli epidemic in Mexico.
• Genomic Insights: Studying ancient genomes alongside their modern counterparts helps unravel longstanding mysteries, debunk old hypotheses, and glean fresh insights from the past to guide future discoveries.

Practice of Burying

• Ancient Burial Practices: Researchers have documented the tradition of burial since the era of our now-extinct Neanderthal ancestors. The oldest deliberate burial of modern humans dates back over 100,000 years ago, found in a cave in Israel.
• Evolution of Burial Practices: During this period, skeletal remains of a roughly three-year-old child buried in Kenya around 80,000 years ago were discovered. Burial practices continued to evolve alongside human civilizations, leading to the construction of elaborate mausoleums.
• Honoring the Deceased: The pyramids of Egypt served as colossal tombs for pharaohs, while the Taj Mahal in Agra, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, stands as a mausoleum dedicated to his wife. 
  • These constructions symbolize a lasting human inclination to honor and commemorate the deceased.

Ancient Mayan genomes

• Ancient Mayan City: Chichén Itzá, situated in present-day Mexico, is an ancient Mayan city renowned for its impressive architecture and iconic ceremonial temples constructed between 800 and 1000 AD.
• Ancient Rituals: The temples are notorious for being the location of human sacrifices offered as part of rituals and have been subject to ongoing archaeological investigation for over a century.
  • These sacrifices were placed in a large sinkhole or underground reservoir known as the ‘Sacred Cenote’.
• Mayan Sacred Cenote Sacrifices: In Mayan culture, these underground features were frequently linked to water and rainfall.The Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá contains the skeletal remains of over 200 individuals who were ritually sacrificed, with a significant number of them being children or adolescents.

Genome Sequencing

• About: Genome sequencing involves identifying the precise sequence of base pairs in an individual’s DNA strand.
  • DNA molecules consist of long chains of nucleotides, comprising sugar molecules linked to a phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing base.
  • The bases of DNA include Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T).
• Human Genomes: The human genome consists of about 3.2 billion nucleotides and includes approximately 23,500 genes.

Significance of Genome sequencing

•  Treating Genetic Diseases: Genome sequencing enables:
  • Prenatal screening to detect genetic disorders in fetuses.
  • Early diagnosis of cancer through liquid biopsies.
  • Pharmacogenetics, studying how genes influence drug responses to prevent adverse reactions.
• Advancement in Predictive Diagnostics: Genome sequencing facilitates the development of customized drugs and gene therapies tailored to individual genetic profiles.
• Enhancing Advanced Analytics: Utilizing genome sequencing to integrate advanced analytics and artificial intelligence enhances our understanding of genetic factors causing diseases and aids in the development of treatments.
• Understanding Viral Mutations: Genome sequencing aims to comprehend how specific mutations enhance the virus’s infectivity. Certain mutations contribute to immune evasion, allowing the virus to evade antibodies, which impacts vaccine effectiveness.
• Agriculture: Genome sequencing enables the breeding of crops and livestock with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and enhanced nutritional content, as demonstrated by Bt Cotton.
• Forensics: Genome sequencing is utilized in forensic analysis, such as identifying victims of crimes and natural disasters. For instance, forensic scientists compare DNA from crime scenes (e.g., blood or hair) with samples from suspects.
• Bioengineering: Genome sequencing supports the design and development of synthetic biological systems and biomolecules for diverse applications.
• Insight into Evolution: By studying genome sequences of early and modern humans, scientists have revealed that our ancestors interbred with other hominins like Neanderthals and Denisovans.

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