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DNA sheds new light on Aztec conquests

DNA recovered from human remains suggests the Aztec conquest of ancient Mexican city Xaltcoan had a significant genetic impact on the residents of the town.

Researchers have suggest some original Otomi inhabitants fled. This may have led to a reorganisation of the original inhabitants, or an influx of new residents, who may have bred with the remaining Otomies.

This study is the first to provide evidence for the anthropological cold case, helping researchers understand the impact of conquest, colonisation and migration in Mesoamerican populations.

Read more at The University of Texas at Austin

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