December 19, 2015

New Research on Animal Remains at Teotihuacan

Researchers have found the remains of 194 animals sacrificed at Teotihuacan in the Pyramid of the Sun and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. The remains were of wolves, eagles, jaguars and pumas. Stress and infection traces have been found that are indicative of animals held in captivity. Isotope analysis also shows the animals were fed maize. The pumas in captivity may have eaten humans as part of ritual sacrifice.
More information: Nawa Sugiyama et al. Stable Isotopes and Zooarchaeology at Teotihuacan, Mexico Reveal Earliest Evidence of Wild Carnivore Management in Mesoamerica, PLOS ONE (2015). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135635

PhysOrg has ther report here on the PLOS ONE research
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-early-captive-carnivore-ancient-mexican.html

Mike Ruggeri’s Teotihuacan
http://mikeruggeristeotihuacan.tumblr.com

Mike Ruggeri’s Teotihuacan; City of the Gods Magazine
http://bit.ly/1z57bpL