A recent archaeological study has shed new light on a mass ritual sacrifice of young children in 15th-century Mexico. The research suggests that the sacrifices were an attempt to appease the rain god Tláloc and end a devastating drought in the region.
In 1980 and 1981, the skeletal remains of at least 42 children, aged 2-7, were discovered at Templo Mayor, the most significant temple complex in Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City). The skeletons were placed inside ashlar boxes on a layer of sand, with some adorned with finery such as necklaces and green stone beads in their mouths.
New research has revealed that the sacrifices likely took place during a major drought between 1452 and 1454. This period was marked by decimated harvests, devastated populations, and starvation. The study suggests that the drought was exacerbated by a combination of early summer droughts and autumn frosts, which destroyed crops and led to prolonged famine.
In an attempt to alleviate the crisis, the sacrificed children’s bodies were sprinkled with blue pigment, seashells, and small birds, and surrounded by 11 sculptures made of volcanic rock that resembled the face of Tláloc. The adornment of the children was likely intended to make them resemble rain dwarves, believed to be assistants of Tláloc.
According to archaeologist Leonardo López Luján, director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History’s (INAH) Templo Mayor Project, “The Mexica state tried to mitigate its effects by opening the royal granaries to redistribute food among the neediest classes, while carrying out mass sacrifices of children in the Templo Mayor to calm the fury of the tlaloque.”
The study suggests that the sacrifice was a desperate attempt to appease the rain god and end the drought. However, the excessive duration of the crisis made the state vulnerable, forcing it to allow the mass exodus of its people.
In conclusion, the mass sacrifice of children in 15th-century Mexico was an attempt to appease the rain god Tláloc and end a devastating drought in the region. The research highlights the desperation and struggle of the Mexica state during this period and provides new insights into the cultural and religious practices of the Aztecs.
Source: Live Science
