George Dvorsky
Today 3:10pm

Mexican archaeologists have discovered a 2,400-year-old burial site in which 10 skeletons were meticulously placed in a circular formation and with their body parts interlocked. The researchers have never seen anything like it, with signs pointing to a previously unknown ritualistic practice.

This incredible discovery was made near the center of Tlalpan, a city just south of Mexico City. The ancient village associated with this grave was discovered back in 2006, and archaeologists with Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have been conducting excavations in and around it ever since. The bodies were found about four feet beneath a building at the Pontifical University of Mexico, which used to house classrooms, a small chapel, and dorms for priests.

Of the 10 bodies discovered in the grave, INAH archaeologists have confirmed the presence of two females, a male, a child, and an infant. At least two skeletons appear to have intentionally deformed skulls, and some have intentionally deformed teeth, according to a preliminary analysis. Clay pots and rounded bowls with tiny circular openings were also found at the site.

Signs of cranial deformation among the remains of ancient Mesoamericans is nothing new—it was likely done to signify group affiliation, demonstrate social status, or as a cosmetic enhancement—but it’s the orientation of the bodies in the grave that’s particularly noteworthy.

More:
https://gizmodo.com/ancient-grave-with-skeletons-arranged-in-bizarre-spiral-1822628714