Wari Empire: Difference between revisions

At the World Congress on Mummy Studies, research shed light on the collapse of the Wari Empire, where Wari society transitioned from cooperation to violence. Tiffiny Tung, a bioarchaeologist of [[Vanderbilt University]], showcased a study highlighting the connections seen between environmental stressors, political instability, and societal collapse in the empire's collapse.<ref name=":01">Wade, Lizzie (August 17, 2016). "The Wari's grisly end—the fall of a South American empire". ''Science''. Retrieved April 28, 2024.</ref> Following 1000 C.E. was a period marked by violence and hardship following the empire's demise. The collapse, possibly exacerbated by severe drought, unleashed centuries of violence and social breakdown, leaving a vivid record in human bones.

Through analysis of skeletal remains from [[Huari District|Huari]], violence seemed to be present even during the empire's peak, intensifying afterward, seen by a dramatic increase in fatal injuries. The collapse also affected dietary patterns, with women experiencing significant changes, possibly indicating food scarcity or dietary shifts. Moreover, post-collapse burials showed signs of desecration, suggesting a shift in traditional burial practices and social norms. Ongoing research seeks to uncover molecular indicators of stress in ancient DNA, providing further insights into the health and well-being of Wari society during this period.<ref name=":01" />