The Life Histories of Aztec Sacrifices: A Stable Isotope Study (C, N, and O) of Offerings from Tlatelolco and the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan

This dissertation investigates the dietary and residential patterns, using stable carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotope analyses, of human sacrifices from the Mexica’s (Aztec) Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan and the Templo R of Tlatelolco (in Mexico City), and a non-sacrificial Mexica group from Ecatepec (Mexico State). These skeletal collections date to the Postclassic period (A.D. 900–1520). This work uses a biocultural approach by incorporating bioarchaeological, archaeological, isotopic, and ethnohistorical evidence to examine the life histories of the sacrifices. The phosphate oxygen isotope analysis revealed that the individuals from Ecatepec were locals to the Basin of Mexico. Similarly, the Templo R sacrifices were locals or long-term residents to the Basin, except for one individual. There was more variability in the geographical residencies of the Templo Mayor sacrifices, with some identified as long-term residents and others as non-locals to the Basin. The possible regions of residency for the non-local sacrifices agree well with the regions conquered by the Mexicas during specific Imperial reigns. These findings demonstrate that the sacrifices could come from different regions of Mesoamerica, particularly for rituals held at the Templo Mayor. The sacrifices, however, could also be Mexicas and individuals who lived in the Basin of Mexico for a long period who became integrated into Mexica society prior to their sacrifice. The carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions from bone collagen indicated that there was little variability in the diets from Ecatepec, which mainly incorporated C4/CAM plants and animals raised on C4/CAM foods, C3 plants, and some lacustrine foods from the Basin of Mexico lakes. There was more dietary variability among the sacrifices from both temples. The Templo R diets were heterogeneous, indicative of a diverse food menu, while the Templo Mayor diets had the lowest nitrogen isotope compositions, demonstrating the consumption of terrestrial meat and overall less meat. As such, the sacrifices included a wide range of individuals from different locations and with different social identities. Hence, this work showcases the idea that the Mexicas established an effective system of obtaining sacrifices for their ceremonies through an array of ways (e.g., tribute, war, gifts, slavery, commoners)

Gradcast #88: Human Sacrifice with Diana Moreiras

This week we meet with Anthropologist Diana Moreiras using sophisticated new techniques to find out about the lives of those religiously sacrificed in the Aztec Empire.http://gradcastradio.podbean.com/e/gradcast-88-human-sacrifice-with-diana-moreiras/?token=77c0e810ae83681426aedaab0add6bc

Bioarchaeological Sampling Strategies: Reflection on First Sampling Experience at the Templo Mayor Museum in Mexico City

Given that sampling strategies and protocols in bioarchaeology are rarely discussed in the literature, this paper is an attempt at reflecting upon the skeletal sampling process (e.g., preparation period, development of strategies and protocols, decision-making process, collaboration with those involved) as well as provide some considerations that may be useful to other junior researchers carrying out their sampling within the realm of bioarchaeology (also may be applicable to other research fields that engage in sampling specimens from museum collections). I provide the considerations about human bone and teeth as it pertains to stable isotope analysis from the literature and then move to discuss my sampling process experience: the preparation period, the sampling process, and the sampling map I developed as an initial guide in the field. Finally, I discuss the main considerations I found helpful in the field which overall involve: 1) Familiarity with the skeletal collections; 2) Constant communication and participant collaboration with those involved in the process; 3) Establishing a feasible sampling protocol well-founded on research questions and biochemical analysis planned as a guide in the field but flexible and open to changes; 4) Handling administrative and logistical aspects of the process well in advance of the sampling visit, and 5) Continual awareness that while as researchers we value skeletal collections in a scientific manner, these also may have other kind of value to others so we must treat these collections with utmost respect at all times (i.e., when discussing, sampling, analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating our research)

Ancient Maize Map, Version 1.1: An Online Database and Mapping Program for Studying the Archaeology of Maize in the Americas

An interactive online database for gathering information about ancient maize samples that have been discovered in archaeological sites and other contexts throughout the Americas

Building Mexican isoscapes: Oxygen and hydrogen isotope data of meteoric water sampled across Mexico

Oxygen and hydrogen isotope data of meteoric water samples are compiled from several States across Mexico. This dataset includes 287 oxygen and hydrogen (and deuterium excess) isotope data corresponding to meteoric water collected from the surface, groundwater wells, irrigation and observation wells, and water supply boreholes. These data facilitate the development of maps to determine the spatial distribution of water stable isotopes, also known as “isoscapes”, of the Mexican territory. As such, this dataset (and the isoscapes built from it) is useful in geographic mobility studies that aim to evaluate geographic origins and residency of particular human and/or non-human individuals in antiquity and in contemporary times. Further discussion about the data and an example of an isoscape of Mexico using the meteoric water oxygen isotope data are provided in “Residential Patterns of Mexica Human Sacrifices at Mexico-Tenochtitlan and Mexico-Tlatelolco: Evidence from Phosphate Oxygen Isotopes” (Moreiras Reynaga et al., 2021). Overall, the dataset is useful in developing interpolated maps of water stable isotopes for relevant archeological, bioarchaeological, forensic, hydrogeological, and ecological research

Ancient Cacao Map, Version 1.0: An Online Database and Mapping Program for Studying the Archaeology of Cacao in the Americas

An interactive online database for gathering information about ancient cacao samples that have been discovered in archaeological sites and other contexts throughout the Americas

The IsoArcH initiative: Working towards an open and collaborative isotope data culture in bioarchaeology

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