Ancient altar found in jungle apparently used for child sacrifices
Ancient altar found in jungle apparently used for child sacrifices
The discovery shows the cultural interaction between the Maya of Tikal and Teotihuacan’s elite between 300 and 500 A.D., archaeologists said.
Read the full article on CBS World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's claim about the altar being used for child sacrifices is weakly supported by the provided sources. While some sources mention child sacrifice in pre-Columbian cultures and the discovery of child remains in Mayan contexts, none directly confirm that this specific altar was used for child sacrifices. The title and framing of the article suggest a stronger link than the available evidence supports, indicating a moderate bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Ancient altar found in jungle apparently used for child sacrifices.
- Verification Source #1: Mentions the altar was believed to have been used for sacrifices, "especially of children." This provides weak support, as it's a belief, not a confirmed fact.
- Verification Source #5: Mentions child sacrifices in the Maya region of Comalcalco, providing general context but not specific confirmation for this altar.
- Verification Source #2, #3, and #4: Fail to cover this claim.
- Claim: The discovery shows the cultural interaction between the Maya of Tikal and Teotihuacan's elite between 300 and 500 A.D.
- Verification Source #1: Implies this cultural interaction by stating the altar is evidence of the mingling of Mayan and Teotihuacan cultures.
- Verification Source #2, #3, #4, and #5: Fail to cover this claim.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #1: Supports the claim of cultural interaction between the Maya and Teotihuacan cultures. It also suggests the altar was believed to be used for sacrifices, especially of children, but this is presented as a belief, not a confirmed fact.
- Verification Source #5: Provides general background information on human sacrifice in pre-Columbian cultures, including the Maya, but doesn't specifically address the altar in question.
- Verification Source #2, #3, and #4: Are irrelevant to the claims made in the article.
- The main issue is the lack of direct evidence in the provided sources to confirm the altar was definitively used for child sacrifices. The title and article framing imply a stronger connection than the evidence supports.