Bioarchaeological analysis reveals dietary patterns and geographic origins in Late Postclassic Maya skeletal remains, highlighting cultural practices of warfare and sacrifice.
Key Points
To assess the paleodiets and geographic origins of individuals buried at the Late Postclassic Maya capital of Iximche’ on the eve of Spanish conquest.
Synthesized published and unpublished stable isotope data derived from human skeletal remains excavated at Iximche’, Guatemala (dating to AD 1250–1524).
Compared stable isotope values against regional comparative datasets from other ancient Maya populations.
Isotopic profiles delineate variations in individual diets and help differentiate local inhabitants from non-local individuals associated with warfare and human sacrifice.
Regional isotopic comparisons illustrate distinct highland Postclassic dietary strategies and patterns of physical mobility in pre-conquest Maya society.