Archaeologists in Mexico say they have discovered the remains of more than 20 children apparently sacrificed by priests in the 10th to 12th centuries.
The archaeologists say the children's bones were found in March in a grave in the town of Tula, the former capital of the Toltec civilization. The bones are thought to date from the years 950 to 1150.
Archaeologist Luis Gamboa of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History says the bones had incisions suggesting the children had their throats cut. He says the positioning of the remains around a figurine of the rain god Tlaloc also points to a group sacrifice.
Gamboa says the discovery is the first of its kind indicating that Toltecs performed sacrifices on children, in addition to sacrificing adults.
The Toltec civilization flourished in Mexico until the late 12th century, pre-dating the Aztecs.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.