Science roundup: Incan boy's blunt trauma death and archer princesses

A new roundup of overlooked science stories highlights two archaeological findings that challenge prior beliefs. The first involves the 'Boy of Cerro El Plomo,' an Incan sacrifice victim previously thought to have frozen to death. Researchers reanalyzed his remains and found a left frontal skull fracture consistent with blunt force trauma from a star-shaped mace, with no healing, indicating it occurred just before death. His full stomach and dilated esophagus suggest he feasted before the ceremony, and foot evidence points to a long pilgrimage. The team also examined two girls from Cerro Esmeralda, concluding their neck marks were not from strangulation but likely clothing-related.

The second study re-examined the remains of ancient Egyptian princesses from the Dahshur pyramid complex using CT scans, X-rays, and FTIR spectroscopy. Princess Ita, who died in her 20s, had strong upper-body muscle attachments suggesting habitual use of maces or daggers. Princess Khenmet, in her late 30s or 40s, also showed strong ligament attachments. Princess Itaweret, aged 20-34, had healed fractures and bone development consistent with expert archery. The authors concluded these women were skilled with the weapons buried with them, showing that high-status women participated in martial activities.