Male human heads found in a 'skull pit' in an ancient Chinese city hint at sex-specific sacrifice rituals

Live ScienceThursday, December 4, 2025 at 10:16:10 PM
NeutralScience
Male human heads found in a 'skull pit' in an ancient Chinese city hint at sex-specific sacrifice rituals
  • A genetic study of 80 skulls discovered in a Stone Age city in China has revealed that the majority of the sacrificed individuals were men, challenging previous assumptions about sex-specific sacrifice rituals in ancient cultures. The findings suggest a deliberate selection process based on gender during these sacrificial practices.
  • This discovery is significant as it provides new insights into the social and cultural dynamics of ancient Chinese societies, particularly regarding gender roles and the nature of sacrificial rituals. Understanding these practices can help researchers reconstruct the historical context of the region.
  • The findings contribute to a broader understanding of ancient human behaviors and rituals, paralleling other archaeological discoveries in China that have identified unique burial practices and cultural significance, such as the recent identification of ancient 'hanging coffin' people. These studies collectively enhance knowledge of historical human societies and their diverse practices.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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