Mexican Archaeologists Unearth 13 Enigmatic Skulls Beneath Maya Pyramid

The tombs, believed to be from the period between 600 and 900 BC, were uncovered by researchers during the excavation of the Moral-Reforma archaeological site near Tabasco, Mexico.

Centuries ago, in what is now Mexico, two young men met a gruesome fate as they were beheaded and laid to rest at the base of a Mayan pyramid. Recently, archaeologists exploring the Moral-Reforma archaeological site in the Mexican state of Tabasco made the startling discovery of their remains, as well as those of other young men who might have also suffered the same sacrificial fate.

According to a statement issued by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a total of 13 sets of remains were discovered in close proximity to “Structure 18,” a pyramid-shaped monument situated south of the main temple at the archaeological site. The remains were found just 40 feet away, which is equivalent to over 12 meters. Archaeologists uncovered the bones buried at a depth of approximately 1 foot, or 0.3 meters, and subsequently initiated the process of identifying the individuals they belonged to and investigating the circumstances surrounding their fate.

Archaeologists have unearthed a collection of 13 enigmatic skulls, with at least two of them unmistakably displaying signs of ritualistic sacrifice, as depicted in a photograph from Allthatsinteresting.

According to an article from Live Science, while the Mayans were known to perform sacrificial rituals involving prisoners of war, it remains uncertain whether these recently discovered skulls belonged to such captives. However, it is certain that all the skulls belonged to individuals aged between 17 and 35 years old and were interred during the period between 600 and 900 BC.

Furthermore, two of the skulls exhibited evident marks of violence, indicating a brutal end for those individuals.

Among the various intriguing skull discoveries made by humans, elongated skulls rank as one of the most common. According to current scientific understanding, such skull deformations are attributed to an ancient practice among certain indigenous groups who intentionally reshaped the heads of newborn babies, resulting in their distinct appearance. A photograph from Allthatsinteresting showcases these elongated skulls.

As explained by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the examination of these skulls revealed transverse cuts on the bone shaft near the cranio-cervical junction. Miriam Angelica Camacho Martinez, a physical anthropologist from the INAH Center, further elaborates that these cut marks indicate the use of a sharp object to extract the skull. Although the neck and mandible still maintain their anatomical relationship, it is challenging to determine whether these wounds caused the individuals’ deaths or if they were inflicted postmortem.

Archaeologists made an additional discovery regarding the five skulls, determining that they possessed an unusually elongated shape, suggesting intentional cranial deformation that began from an early age. This deliberate practice of cranial elongation was observed not only among the Mayans but also in other ancient civilizations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Researchers speculate that this skull elongation may have been associated with higher social status.

Furthermore, examination of the remains unveiled that some of the individuals suffered from tooth decay, potentially resulting from their diet rich in maize. Additionally, certain bones were found to be adorned with red pigment, adding another intriguing element to the findings.

The photograph captures the pyramid located at the Moral-Reforma archaeological site near Tabasco, Mexico, showcasing its grandeur and historical significance, as featured on Allthatsinteresting.

The remains of these 13 individuals offer a captivating glimpse into the life and death within the once thriving Maya settlement of Moral-Reforma. As reported by Heritage Daily, the city initially emerged as a significant trading post around 300 BC and steadily expanded from there. Between 622 and 756 BC, the settlement reached its zenith, spanning an impressive 215 acres, adorned with palaces, plazas, and pyramids. However, by around 1000 BC, the city was ultimately abandoned.

Despite the extensive excavations, there are still many mysteries surrounding the site, including its original name. According to Live Science, Moral-Reforma was in alliance with other Maya cities, such as Calakmul and Palenque, and contained as many as 76 structures. Although many archaeologists speculate that the individuals buried at the base of “Structure 18” may have been sacrificial victims offered to appease an underworld deity, the exact location of this pyramid remains unknown. It stands as a testament to the reverence the Mayans held for their gods, although specific details about which deity it was constructed to honor remain elusive.

As archaeologists continue their exploration of the site, their hope is to uncover additional answers. In the meantime, researchers must rely on clues found within the bones and teeth of the individuals who were sacrificed at the pyramid centuries ago.

According to current scientific understanding, the persistent skull deformity can be attributed to an ancient custom practiced among various indigenous groups, where the heads of newborn babies were tightly bound, resulting in deformation. However, the occurrence of this phenomenon across unrelated cultures worldwide remains unexplained.

Interestingly, the discovered skulls are often nearly twice the size of normal human skulls. Many of these skulls lack certain ridges typically found in human skulls, including the frontal sulcus and sagittal sulcus. Instead, they possess an additional diagonal groove across the forehead. The bones of these skulls are often thicker and stronger compared to our own.

In Egypt, elongated skulls have not only been found but also depicted in decorations and wall carvings, particularly associated with significant numbers during the era of the pharaohs. Egyptologists interpret these depictions as stylistic representations of royal headdresses worn by common people. However, unusually elongated skulls have also been discovered in mummies, such as that of King Tutankhamun, which stands out in its remarkable elongation compared to others.